The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Google opens another traffic spigot for publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Google Discover is now a major source of traffic for publishers, but it may lead to less meaningful connections with their audiences. Publishers often end up serving low-quality ads to visitors who leave quickly.
  2. Podcasters are looking to change the trend of having the same guests on many shows to make interviews more unique and engaging. Many hosts are tired of recycled content that doesn’t stand out.
  3. Apple is starting to sell ads in Apple News directly, which could mean more revenue for publishers. This shift may help Apple balance its user privacy principles with the need to generate advertising income.

How I destroyed the New Economy, revisited

Sundman figures it out! • 137 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Dave Karpf's essay examines the techno-optimism surrounding the dot-com and crypto bubbles.
  2. The author recalls building a house for an internet billionaire on a potentially cursed Native American burial ground.
  3. The collapse of the New Economy bubble is attributed to building the house in a place where it shouldn't have been built.

Welcome to the Provost Dungeon

ailogblog • 139 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Bureaucracy is essential for large organizations to manage data and control, but it can hinder community-building, and many share grievances about bureaucratic systems.
  2. Generative AI has the potential to transform bureaucratic processes in universities, leading to anxiety and excitement among bureaucrats, requiring a shift towards positive and pragmatic change.
  3. Educational bureaucracies can benefit from design thinking, incremental experiments, and a hybrid persona of intellectual-bureaucrat to create better structures that support teaching and learning.

Bitcoin Tech Talk #379

jimmysong • 157 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. The story of Shinzo's assassin and the impact of cults and corrupt politics in Japan's stagnancy.
  2. The rise and fall of the Occupy Wall St movement, co-opted by political agendas.
  3. A shocking case involving eBay executives harassing a couple, showing extreme behaviors in the name of business.
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Reboot's Ins & Outs for 2026

Reboot • 15 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Corporate beige microsites and other uniform aesthetics are getting tired while AI-generated "slop" multiplies, so people will crave more playful, varied, and weird corners of the web.
  2. AI evaluation is shifting from multiple-choice benchmarks to proving real-world job performance and economic impact, driving demand for roles like forward-deployed engineers who turn models into practical value.
  3. Institutions and communities are reshaping: non-academic labs will need academic muscle, new folk schools will grow, pop-up village hype may fade, and cultural attention will narrow into deeper specialization.

2034 – A Day in the Working Life

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. In 2034, people have a Lifelong Learning Wallet to improve their skills without the burden of debt. This allows everyone to access education based on their abilities, not their financial situation.
  2. Work has become flexible and collaborative, with projects matching people's skills and interests. Workers earn digital tokens for their contributions, which helps them feel more connected and motivated.
  3. Society now values all contributions, including care work, and uses technology to fairly distribute resources. This new system supports faster solutions to pressing issues like climate change and health crises.

Robodebt: When automation fails

Can We Still Govern? • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. The Robodebt system in Australia failed because it used bad assumptions that caused serious mistakes, affecting many people negatively. This shows how dangerous it can be to rely on automation without fully testing it first.
  2. When the government tried to recover supposed overpayments, many vulnerable individuals faced harsh consequences, including stress and financial ruin. This highlights how automated systems can create burdens that hurt those who are already struggling.
  3. The lessons from Robodebt emphasize the need for human oversight in automated decision-making. Governments should listen to feedback and warnings from those affected to prevent future failures.

Pronatalism is inherently groupish

Wood From Eden • 1200 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Technology
  1. Purpose of pronatalism is to save civilizations, not the human race
  2. Low fertility in developed world can lead to more religion, more Africans, and less technology
  3. High-tech societies need to prioritize reproduction to avoid sliding back into low-tech mode and repeating the painful process of social evolution

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Technology
  1. Grant is back in Silicon Valley after a long time in Japan and is adjusting to his new life after divorce. It’s a big change for him, and he’s reconnecting with old friends.
  2. Len and Dan are featured on a TV show discussing investments and the Internet. They didn’t know the show would focus so much on their recent embezzling case, which surprised them.
  3. Len shares his strategy for investing in Internet-related companies, looking for those that will benefit from the tech boom. This shows he thinks ahead and tries to find new opportunities.

Generalist Capital: New Epics

The Generalist • 1040 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Generalist Capital focuses on backing startups at the frontier to deeply understand innovation.
  2. Investing in startups allows for a hands-on experience and understanding of market dynamics.
  3. Innovative startups like DolarApp, Foundry, and NG Cash are solving real-world problems with unique solutions.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

The EV Revolution in Five Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Technology
  1. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing, with countries reaching significant market shares in about six years. In 2023, around 20% of car sales will be EVs.
  2. Experts continuously revise their predictions upward for EV growth as prices drop and more people prefer EVs. Many now expect about 40% of cars sold in 2030 to be electric.
  3. The rise of EVs is pushing down sales of traditional gas cars and oil demand. As more EVs are sold, we could see a significant drop in oil use within 15 years.

Intel 2024 Q4 Financials

More Than Moore • 326 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Intel had a rough 2024 but showed some improvement in Q4, with revenue slightly up from Q3.
  2. The company is focusing on its new 18A technology and is getting funding to support its manufacturing efforts.
  3. While Intel is still facing challenges, especially in the AI and GPU market, there's cautious optimism for future products like Panther Lake and Nova Lake.

Coming soon

The Lindy Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
📰 News Technology
  1. A Substack newsletter is launching soon and is labeled "Coming soon."
  2. The announcement is dated Jan 30, 2026, marking a recent start date.
  3. Readers are prompted to subscribe and share, but the page currently shows very little content or engagement.

The Explosion Economy

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Modern capitalism creates endless cravings, but doesn't satisfy them. This means people spend more time wanting than actually enjoying what they have.
  2. Cities and technology design make it hard to escape this constant wanting. They manipulate our desires, so we feel like we always need more.
  3. Some communities are finding ways to live differently, focusing on real satisfaction instead of produced desires. They want to balance technology and personal happiness.

How the Cold War with China (and Wars Elsewhere) are Changing American Cities

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Globalization's decline and the cold war with China are reshaping American cities by leading to major onshoring of jobs, particularly in defense and technology.
  2. The production of semiconductors is crucial for national security and winning future cold wars, as they power modern technology and defense systems.
  3. Former manufacturing hubs like Phoenix, Columbus, and St. Louis are well-positioned to benefit from investments in industries like semiconductors and expanded military spending.

Letter #73: Jon Pollock (2015)

A Letter a Day • 255 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Jon Pollock discusses how activism fits into Elliott Management's overall investment strategy by seeking to positively shape investment outcomes and drive returns.
  2. Elliott Management excels in activism in the Technology sector due to the complex nature of the industry and the potential for unlocking value through operational improvements.
  3. Elliott Management's success in attaining board representation without launching proxy fights is attributed to strong relationships with institutional shareholders and the identification of situations where change is needed.

Consumption Pricing Models Are Here to Stay

Condensing the Cloud • 255 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Consumption pricing models are becoming more prevalent and are beneficial for software companies
  2. Consumption-based pricing aligns cost with value, promotes customer flexibility, and aids in quick scalability
  3. Monitoring key metrics like revenue, RPO, and gross margin is crucial for companies implementing consumption-based pricing models

Losing Sight, Seeing More

Earthly Fortunes • 255 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Technology
  1. It's important to take breaks from screen time to prevent eye strain and preserve vision.
  2. By using accessibility technology, we can gain deeper insights into the experiences of those with disabilities.
  3. Technology should not only cater to the privileged but also be accessible and caring towards all individuals.

Booking: The $170B+ A/B Testing Machine

SatPost by Trung Phan • 154 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Booking Holdings became the largest online travel company by using A/B testing effectively. They run thousands of tests on their website to figure out what works best for getting customers to book travel.
  2. The company's success also comes from smart acquisitions, like Booking.com and Active Hotels, which helped them quickly grow and shape the travel industry. These acquisitions cost them $294 million and grew into a $170 billion company.
  3. Booking's culture focuses on data and experimentation. They let everyone in the company, not just the top executives, run tests and use data to make decisions, leading to a more user-friendly experience.

"But then I realized horses are just men-extenders"

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 394 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Technology
  1. Horses played a key role in advancing human civilization by providing a new source of power for farming, transport, and warfare. They helped people accomplish tasks more efficiently and laid the groundwork for modern advancements.
  2. The relationship between humans and horses lasted for thousands of years and influenced societal structures, including the development of patriarchal societies. As horses were integrated into daily life, they changed the nature of work for men and women differently.
  3. Even though technology has replaced horses in many ways, their historical importance is profound. They were our first major means of boosting productivity and transforming the way humans lived and worked.

Wings Over India: Manufacturing Our Aviation Future

Tigerfeathers! • 37 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. India has a rich history and potential in aviation, but has mostly imported planes instead of building its own. It needs to revive its aviation manufacturing to not just operate, but also create aircraft.
  2. Building aircraft can boost India’s engineering talent and confidence, making the country more self-reliant. This is key for both economic growth and national security, especially when it comes to defense.
  3. Investing in aircraft manufacturing can bring economic benefits, reduce travel costs, and inspire future generations to dream bigger. India has the talent, but it needs to take bold steps to realize its aeronautical ambitions.

9 Myths About Doomscrolling and Collapse We Wish Everyone Knew

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Doomscrolling can be used positively. Instead of just feeling anxious, some people use it to learn and build communities around shared concerns.
  2. Historical events teach us about potential future collapses. Reading about past crises helps us understand what might happen today.
  3. Gaslighting about public health isn't new. It's been around for a long time, with authorities often downplaying serious issues to keep people calm.

Is the impact of generative AI on elections overblown?

Unmoderated Insights • 4 HN points • 03 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Many claims about AI messing up elections are being exaggerated. So far, real events have had a bigger impact than AI-generated content.
  2. Misinformation isn't new, but AI makes it easier to create and share harmful content quickly. The real issue lies in how platforms handle this content.
  3. Companies should improve their systems to control harmful content and support election integrity. It's not just about AI—it’s also about the responsibility of social media platforms.

DeFi Education's Greatest Hits: Twitter Edition

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. On-chain analysis can reveal important movements of funds, especially from high-profile wallets, and monitoring these can help with investment decisions.
  2. Institutional investors have a different approach to the market than retail investors, and understanding these differences can help avoid costly mistakes.
  3. Basic cybersecurity measures like using strong passwords and VPNs can significantly reduce the risk of getting hacked in the digital asset space.

a year in podcasts

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Technology
  1. China's imperial examination system helped create stability but limited innovation. This has led to current challenges like economic stagnation and political succession issues.
  2. Recent discussions showed that trade alone doesn't change political systems. For instance, the Song dynasty had trade but remained autocratic.
  3. Policymakers need to make tough decisions instead of trying to balance too many interests. An example is the challenges faced by the Biden administration with the export controls on technology.

Dispatch from Sundance

Chance Operations • 158 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. The documentary 'Eno' premiered at Sundance to sold-out audiences and sparked discussions about the future of technology and film.
  2. The film 'Eno' is created using generative software, resulting in a unique viewing experience every time it's shown.
  3. There has been significant press coverage and excitement surrounding the film 'Eno' and its innovative approach to filmmaking.

Trading places

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Be cautious with how you handle customers' sensitive data to avoid breaking trust.
  2. Consider the optics of your business operations as much as the functionality to maintain trust.
  3. Don't plan on building one service as a stepping stone to another; focus on what you want to create in the long run.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 62

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. People today seem to lack unique personalities and struggle to express themselves. It feels like we’re all just products with labels instead of real individuals.
  2. There’s a big fight between Lululemon and Costco over copycat products. This situation highlights how more people are celebrating cheap imitations on social media.
  3. Getting a passport in the U.S. has become surprisingly easy thanks to a team that improved an outdated process. It shows how even bureaucracies can innovate when needed.

The Making of a Gene Circuit

Asimov Press • 290 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. The repressilator is a simple gene circuit that helps scientists understand how to control living cells. It's made of three genes that work together in a loop to create a rhythmic 'on-off' signal.
  2. Michael Elowitz and his team proved that you could design circuits in living cells, which opened the door to synthetic biology. This means we can now program cells to perform specific tasks.
  3. Modern advancements have built on the repressilator, allowing us to create complex gene circuits that can mimic computing processes inside cells. This shows how biology can become a tool for engineering and technology.

Odds and Ends #52: A right to air conditioning?

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Everyone should have the right to air conditioning, especially as it becomes more essential for comfort. It can help people stay healthy and productive in hot weather.
  2. New Zealand has found a smart way to tackle its housing crisis, which could inspire solutions in other places. Their approach focuses on making housing more accessible to everyone.
  3. There are issues with some Chinese robotaxis that raise concerns, but there’s still hope for the future of self-driving technology. It’s important to address these problems to improve safety and reliability.

2025 Update - Part 1

Devansh’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. A spur-of-the-moment trip to the Kumbh Mela turned into a chaotic, risky adventure—navigating huge crowds, closed roads, and a 20-hour journey home—but it delivered a thrilling sense of being alive.
  2. Teaching three cohorts in spring noticeably improved teaching skills, and conversations with a friend from San Francisco deepened understanding of LLMs, prompting integration of AI into personal tools and writing about its effects on education and entry-level software jobs.
  3. Began serious fitness with a personal trainer and got hooked on golf—playing weekly, entering a tournament, and starting a golf channel—while also hosting a large birthday celebration centered on movement, learning, community, and play.