The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Adiós Duolingo, hello Anki

De Novo • 88 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Technology AI Languages Methods
  1. Anki is a flashcard app that helps with memorization using spaced repetition. It's great for learning detailed information and can share decks for team learning.
  2. Using AI to make Anki cards can be helpful, but it's important to check for errors. It's best for reinforcing knowledge rather than learning completely new topics.
  3. After years of using Duolingo, switching to Anki seems more effective for real learning. You can create a system to track your progress similar to Duolingo's streaks.

Intercom's decisive bet on AI

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 315 implied HN points • 21 May 25
💼 Business Startups Technology AI Pricing Customer Service
  1. Intercom was quick to invest in AI, becoming a leader by being the first major SaaS company to do so. Their 'war time' CEO, Eoghan McCabe, made bold decisions to redefine customer support with AI.
  2. The quality of AI tools matters more than just having features. Intercom's Fin AI agent succeeded through a lot of testing, improving its ability to resolve customer inquiries from 25% to 56%.
  3. Competitors now have to focus on delivering results, not just flashy marketing. Businesses need to educate their customers on how to choose AI products based on effectiveness, not just promises.

Doomscroll: Trevor Paglen

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 437 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Politics Technology Design
  1. Trevor Paglen discusses how art connects technology and politics, showing us what can often be hidden or ignored. His work helps us think about the important issues behind new tech.
  2. He talks about 'psyops capitalism', where media creates content based on user behavior, which can shape our views and experiences.
  3. Paglen compares early UFO stories to today's social media disinformation, highlighting how misinformation has always been a part of our society.

MSTR: Converting index investing into a BTC bid

Jay’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Investing Finance Technology Business
  1. MicroStrategy is changing the way they invest by using Bitcoin. This shows a shift from traditional investing to a more crypto-focused strategy.
  2. The company is seeing success by integrating Bitcoin into their business model. This approach may inspire other companies to consider similar moves.
  3. The concept of turning index investing into Bitcoin bids highlights a trend in finance. It’s a sign that people are exploring innovative ways to invest.

Barcoding Brains

Asimov Press • 225 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🔬 Science Neuroscience Biotechnology Health Research Technology
  1. Connectomics is a method that maps connections in the brain, helping scientists understand how these connections affect our behavior and brain function. However, it's really slow and expensive to do.
  2. A non-profit called E11 Bio is developing new tools to make brain mapping faster and cheaper. They aim to create a complete map of a mouse's brain in just five years for a fraction of the current cost.
  3. Understanding the brain's connections can improve treatments for various brain diseases and potentially lead to advanced technologies like brain-computer interfaces. This could really change how we approach brain health and artificial intelligence.
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From ChatGPT Back to Clay & Cuneiform: A Start at Rethinking Pedagogy for the Age of "AI"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 322 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🚌 Education Pedagogy Technology AI Curriculum
  1. Education needs to focus on what students should remember and be able to do, rather than just what they can get from AI like chatbots.
  2. Instead of banning AI, we should find ways to use it in learning, just like we adapted to calculators in math classes.
  3. Understanding the basics behind complex tools like AI is important, as all tools have limitations and can miss important details.

The End of an Era

In Bed With Social • 376 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief Love Technology Literature Memory
  1. Grief can make us feel heavy and sad, but it also helps us understand what really matters in life. When we lose someone, we start to see everything more clearly and value the little moments.
  2. Technology tries to help us hold on to our loved ones, but it's not the same as real love. We can't replace the feelings we have with digital copies or memories; we need to accept the loss and let love evolve.
  3. True strength comes from learning to live with the idea of impermanence. It’s important to make space for grief, knowing that love will still exist in our memories and shape who we are.

The chemical reason that PFAS are "forever chemicals"

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Health Environmental Technology
  1. PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', are super strong substances that don't break down easily in our bodies. Once they get in, they can stick around for a long time, causing potential health issues.
  2. These chemicals are hard to get rid of because our bodies mistake them for fat, allowing them to be reabsorbed instead of eliminated. This reabsorption can lead to long-term interference with our health.
  3. NeutraOat might help reduce the impact of PFAS by trapping these chemicals and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It could be an important tool in managing their harmful effects.

The Honest Broker's 20 Most Popular Articles From 2024

The Honest Broker • 8610 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Technology Art Humanities Society
  1. The Honest Broker had a remarkable year with 171 articles published, attracting 25 million views and nearly doubling its subscriber count to 198,000. The growth exceeded initial expectations and highlights a strong community engagement.
  2. Many popular articles focus on technology and culture, reflecting a public concern about the impacts of new tech, including digital platforms that can manipulate and abuse users. There is a call for voices to address these issues, especially for those affected.
  3. Despite a shift towards discussing technology, there's still a yearning for deeper topics like the humanities and creativity. Articles that explore significant cultural shifts and raise critical questions resonate well with readers.

Unbundling the University, Part 2

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🚌 Education Research Academia Technology Innovation Policy Funding
  1. Universities hold a lot of power over research, making it hard for new technologies to develop outside of these institutions. This limits the ability to change how research works.
  2. Most funding for research goes through universities, which creates barriers for people and organizations trying to do innovative work. It makes it tough to get money unless you're linked to an academic institution.
  3. Academic rules shape how research is done and valued. The focus on novelty can lead to creating interesting ideas that may not always be useful, which isn't helpful for advancements in technology.

People prefer A.I. art because people prefer bad art

Read Max • 12303 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Philosophy Literature Society
  1. People often have a hard time telling the difference between AI art and human art. This shows how good AI has become at creating images that people find appealing.
  2. Many people seem to prefer AI-generated art because it's straightforward and easy to understand. In contrast, more complex human art can be confusing or challenging.
  3. This trend suggests that people's tastes lean towards art that feels familiar and comfortable, which is why they might choose AI art over more challenging pieces.

Building a phosphorescence detector

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Physics Engineering Research Technology Materials
  1. There isn't much information available on natural phosphorescence, so creating a detector can help explore its presence in everyday items.
  2. The device design prioritizes speed and sensitivity to detect phosphorescence briefly brought out by UV light, using specific electronics like photodiodes and amplifiers.
  3. Experimenting with common household materials showed that some items, like powdered milk and natural ruby, exhibit weak phosphorescence, although many other items didn't show any notable glow.

Desire Digest 002

Many Such Cases • 1558 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Travel Technology Social media Wellness
  1. Being off your phone can help you feel more present and connected to your body. It’s nice to experience life without the distractions of technology.
  2. Sex wellness retreats are becoming popular, showing a desire to reconnect with ourselves and our pleasure. Some people are willing to spend a lot of money to explore this side of their lives.
  3. There's confusion around the political messages tied to sexuality. It seems people can be both sexually liberated and assume certain political beliefs without clear connections.

UFOs are a soft sci-fi genre

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7615 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Philosophy Sociology Technology Literature
  1. UFOs are often seen as a type of soft sci-fi that mixes imaginative stories with poor evidence. This suggests that many UFO enthusiasts focus more on fantasy than reality.
  2. Real first contact with aliens is more likely to be through indirect evidence over long distances, rather than physical visits. Scientists think we might find signs of alien civilizations from far away.
  3. As science progresses, we might enter a stage of uncertainty about aliens, leading to debates without clear answers for a long time. This means we could be questioning the existence of aliens for hundreds of years.

How to Break Free from Dopamine Culture

The Honest Broker • 44184 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Technology Social media Lifestyle Mental health Community
  1. Minimize reliance on scrolling and swiping interfaces to avoid falling into addictive traps engineered by tech companies.
  2. Rediscover real-world applications like learning skills and connecting with the community, which provide personal empowerment and genuine experiences.
  3. Immerse yourself in longer, immersive experiences like listening to music or engaging in rituals to break free from the shallow stimuli of modern technology.

Reading List for 11/30/24

Construction Physics • 9186 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Construction Automotive Technology Environment
  1. High-rise construction is booming in Canada, with many Canadian cities leading in the number of skyscrapers being built compared to US cities.
  2. Mild hybrids, which are cars that use a small electric motor to support a gasoline engine, are becoming popular in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations.
  3. Offshore oil drilling is seeing a revival, as companies invest heavily in new technologies and seek new sources of oil in response to rising energy prices.

The origins of human-centered design

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🪑 Design User Experience Product Design Technology
  1. Human-centered design started in the military during World War II. It focused on understanding how people interacted with equipment to prevent crashes and improve safety.
  2. John Arnold formalized human-centered design processes in the 1950s, laying the groundwork for its use in technology and public services.
  3. In recent years, human-centered design has gained attention in government to enhance services. It's about putting people's needs first to build trust and engagement.

Bring Back Meeting In Real Life

Many Such Cases • 3876 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎭️ Culture Dating Social norms Technology Communication Relationships
  1. Meeting people in real life is important for dating. We should go back to how relationships used to form through friends and social gatherings.
  2. Technology has made dating complicated. We often get overwhelmed by online options and forget to connect with people around us.
  3. It's time to face our fears about dating. We need to be more open and willing to talk to others, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

⚛️🌟 Our fusion future: A Quick Q&A with … nuclear engineer Michael Ford

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Energy Engineering Physics Technology Research
  1. Fusion energy has great potential and is seen as safer than fission because it doesn't have the same risks of catastrophic accidents.
  2. Many companies are investing in fusion technology, which is leading to a quicker development pace than in the past.
  3. Public perception and understanding of fusion will be important for its acceptance and can affect the costs and deployment of fusion power systems.

Antigravity and the Deep State

Tao Lin • 959 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Technology Engineering Military UFOs
  1. Antigravity is the idea of controlling gravity, but most scientists say it's impossible based on current physics theories.
  2. Some researchers believe that experiments with antigravity technology started over a century ago and involved famous inventors like Nikola Tesla.
  3. In the 1950s, there was much excitement about antigravity and its potential for new aircraft, but after that, discussions stopped, possibly because the technology became classified.

Cameras, Cars, and Culture: Notes From a Brief China Visit

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Society Technology Media Automobiles
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.

Reclaiming Our Senses in a Digital World

In Bed With Social • 59 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Senses Digital Experience Art Technology
  1. We often focus too much on sight and sound in our digital lives, forgetting the other senses like touch, smell, and taste. It's important to reconnect with these senses to enjoy life more fully.
  2. Digital tools can help us pay attention to the world around us in new ways, like listening to global radio stations or exploring colors differently. This can enhance our understanding and connection to our environment.
  3. By engaging with objects and experiences that require physical interaction, we can create meaningful connections with the world. This shift from high-tech to high-touch helps us feel more grounded and aware of our surroundings.

'We realised our business model is now obsolete'

Make Work Better • 81 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Workplace AI Technology Employment Culture
  1. AI technology is quickly changing the way businesses operate, and traditional business models may not work as effectively anymore. Companies need to train their employees on these new technologies to stay relevant.
  2. Surveys show that many people find AI more compassionate than humans in roles like therapy. This highlights that while we value human empathy, AI can sometimes provide a better experience.
  3. Work culture is affected by social connections among employees. Having better relationships at work can lead to safer and more successful workplaces, as seen in aviation studies.

Try The 2025 ACX/Metaculus Forecasting Contest

Astral Codex Ten • 3854 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🔬 Science Forecasting Predictions Technology Research Competition
  1. The 2025 ACX/Metaculus Forecasting Contest is now open for predictions. It's a great opportunity for anyone interested to share their forecasts on various topics.
  2. This year, there are new forecasting bots participating, and it'll be exciting to see how they compare to top human forecasters. The contest wants to explore how well these bots can predict outcomes.
  3. The questions this year are designed to be interesting and relevant, so many people can take part. The contest aims to engage everyone's thoughts on important issues.

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Music Entertainment Art Technology
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

Literary culture can't just dismiss AI.

The Common Reader • 3402 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Innovation Technology
  1. AI is changing how we think about literature and culture. It's important to embrace this change rather than ignore it.
  2. Modern literature needs to engage with new technologies to stay relevant. Just like past innovations, AI can be a tool for creativity instead of a replacement.
  3. Writers should adapt to the evolving cultural landscape. Accepting AI as part of the literary world can help create a richer and more diverse artistic expression.

An Apology to the Insiders

Gordian Knot News • 131 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🔬 Science Nuclear Energy Environmental Policy Systems theory Technology Ethics
  1. Some people in the nuclear industry feel offended by criticisms, believing the blame is directed at them rather than the broken system. It's important to clarify that the focus should be on changing the system, not attacking individuals.
  2. The author reflects on their experience in a flawed system, sharing a personal story about a report they wrote that was ignored to protect jobs. This shows how systems can trap people into doing the wrong thing.
  3. The author wants to apologize to those in the industry for any misunderstanding, emphasizing that the real problem lies in the system that has led to negative outcomes, not in the people who worked within it.

13 Observations on Ritual

The Honest Broker • 30254 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Rituals Technology Community Human behavior
  1. Smartphones are not suitable for genuine ritual as they embody restlessness, which is opposite to the stability needed for rituals.
  2. True rituals are deeply rooted in physical time and space, unlike online experiences that can feel hollow and lack genuine connection.
  3. Memes mimic elements of ritual like repetition and shared meaning but lack the depth and transcendence that true rituals provide.

May 2025 Updates

New Things Under the Sun • 160 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🔬 Science Research Innovation R&D Economics Technology
  1. Recent studies show that government funding for research and development (R&D) yields high returns. Estimates suggest that every dollar spent on non-defense government R&D could generate benefits worth up to 210%.
  2. The composition of R&D funding has changed over the years. While support for applied research has dropped, funding for basic research has remained stable as a fraction of GDP.
  3. A significant research paper claiming that AI boosts innovation was retracted due to issues with the data and its credibility. This highlights the need for careful evaluation of research, especially when it could have major implications.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Employment Economy Education Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. AI is causing entry-level jobs to disappear, especially for young graduates. Many of the roles that students are training for are fading away fast.
  2. Youth unemployment is increasing, with recent grads struggling to find work. The job market is looking worse for them compared to the overall workforce.
  3. We need new ideas and solutions to help young people find work. Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and skilled trades can help them build careers even as traditional job paths vanish.

On Carlota Perez's "Technology Revolutions and Financial Capital"

Parth's Playground • 25 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Technology Finance Investment Innovation Economics
  1. Technology goes through cycles of creation and adoption every 50 years. These cycles start with new technology being developed and then used by people, leading to big changes in society.
  2. Financial crises often happen in the middle of these cycles to clear out old ways of doing things and make space for new technologies to grow and connect with each other.
  3. Each new technology builds on past innovations, creating new opportunities. So, understanding where a technology is in its life cycle can help you know its potential and value.

GenAI for Hedge Funds Startups

Magis • 127 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance Startups Technology Investing AI
  1. Hedge funds are using AI to be more productive and to find new investment opportunities. Many startups are working in this area with various backgrounds and experiences.
  2. There is no clear leader in the AI startup space for hedge funds yet, as many companies are still developing their products. The founder backgrounds vary widely, from PhDs to former hedge fund workers.
  3. A list of AI startups focused on hedge funds has been compiled, and input is welcomed to make it more complete. If someone is looking for a job in this field, they are encouraged to reach out.

🌾 Can we feed the future?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Agriculture Sustainability Technology Global Issues Nutrition
  1. Farmers have made great progress in feeding a growing population, moving from three billion to eight billion people over the last 60 years. This was thanks to better technology and more farmland.
  2. Even with this success, experts worry that factors like climate change, crop diseases, and lack of investment in farming tech could hurt future food production. There's a lot at stake for the world's food supply.
  3. To continue improving food production, we need to embrace technology and find ways to share it better, especially in less developed areas. Innovations can help us meet the needs of a future population that could exceed nine billion.

Killing the tiny annoyances (in work and life)

Leading Developers • 98 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
💼 Business Productivity Workplace Technology Time management Efficiency
  1. Small annoyances can waste a lot of time and energy. Fixing these little issues can boost your productivity and reduce stress.
  2. Organizing your tools and workspace can help you work more efficiently. Simple changes like better organization or updating old templates can save you time.
  3. Managing notifications and distractions, like Slack messages or email alerts, makes a big difference in focus. It’s worth taking time to set up systems that reduce interruptions.

"For you, the Grail."

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Technology Mysticism Self-discovery
  1. Technology has a big role in our evolution and consciousness growth. It's important to consider how we use it wisely.
  2. The stories of the Knights Templar and their secrets remind us of the balance between power and free will. Using mystical knowledge should enrich our personal journeys, not take away our growth.
  3. Choosing our own path is essential. The real value lies in our unique experiences, and no technology or guide should replace our personal lessons in life.

The objects we love and live with

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design Lifestyle Family Technology
  1. The objects we own can reveal a lot about who we are and what we value. They reflect our interests and memories.
  2. Having meaningful items at home, like a piano, can enrich our lives and provide emotional outlets, especially for children.
  3. Commercials or ads that show destruction of beloved items can be shocking and evoke strong feelings, reminding us of our attachments to the things we cherish.

Do Founders Ever Take a Vacation?🌴,AI and Longevity🤖, Venture Trends Q2 2024📊

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Technology Trends AI
  1. Many founders struggle to take vacations due to their busy schedules. Taking time off is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is playing a big role in improving health and longevity. People are excited about how AI can help us live longer and healthier lives.
  3. Venture capital trends are shifting, and investors are looking for new opportunities. It's important for startups to stay aware of these changes to attract funding.