The hottest Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Culture Crush

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Identity Politics Trends
  1. The event includes discussions around controversial topics related to culture and discrimination. It's important to stay informed about diverse perspectives in society.
  2. There are specific criticisms aimed at certain groups and their actions, showcasing a sense of dissatisfaction with current social issues. Engaging with varying viewpoints can help understand these critiques.
  3. The content is presented in a podcast format, which can be an engaging way to absorb complex issues. Listening to podcasts can provide insights and spark important conversations.

Brozempic, just in time for summer, is only $199

Snaxshot • 459 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Trends Products Startups Innovation Health
  1. Brozempic is a new weight loss product hitting the market for only $199, offering a more affordable alternative to other options.
  2. The best food shows are not necessarily on traditional food networks, with new creators and platforms emerging to showcase unique dining experiences.
  3. Unique food trends like omakase bread and innovative products like FroCo (frozen cottage cheese ice cream) are gaining popularity, challenging traditional food norms.

GLP-1: the New Gluten-Free?

Snaxshot • 439 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Trends Brand building Healthy Eating
  1. Starbucks may 'de-ethnicize' boba tea with their new drinks, sparking online reactions and concern from brands like Bobabam.
  2. Food giants are pivoting to create GLP-1 friendly meals, following trends like the gluten-free craze.
  3. Yiayia and Friends brand universe by Beet Root Design highlights tradition, culinary comfort, and storytelling through characters.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Lifestyle Consumption Work Trends
  1. The modern work culture is often seen as flawed and inhumane. Many people feel this way intuitively, even if they don't want to admit it.
  2. There's a growing argument for a 32-hour work week. This could lead to better work-life balance and happier employees.
  3. Understanding the problems with work can help us push for changes in how we approach our jobs and daily lives. It's important to challenge the norms that make us unhappy.
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Happy Hauntology: A Manifesto

Happy Hauntology • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🎶 Music Genres Trends Cultural impact Music theory Soundtracks
  1. Happy Hauntology is a new music genre that blends joyful sounds with the idea of past memories and experiences that never actually happened. It's like creating music that makes you feel nostalgic for vacations you never took.
  2. The genre combines various musical styles, such as exotica and electronica, to create a fun and dreamy listening experience. It aims to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination about magical places.
  3. Unlike traditional hauntology, which focuses on the ghosts of lost futures, Happy Hauntology invites listeners to enjoy the happy memories of fictional, whimsical worlds, often resembling the feeling you get from theme parks.

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Trends Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

Top Links 613 The surge in big tech capex. The shipbuilding boom. Litigating butter chicken. Are we entering post-literate society?

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Tech Investment Industry Trends
  1. Big tech companies are investing a lot in their capital, which is changing the economy in significant ways. It's interesting to see how this trend has developed over the last 15 years.
  2. There is a noticeable rise in shipbuilding, suggesting that the industry is picking up. This could mean more jobs and trade opportunities in the future.
  3. The concept of a post-literate society is being discussed, raising questions about how we communicate and share information today. It makes you think about the impact of technology on reading and writing.

China's Best Music of 2024

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums Reviews Trends
  1. China's music scene is diverse, featuring a mix of styles like Afrobeat, electronic, and indie rock. Artists are blending cultural elements to create unique sounds.
  2. Several Chinese music labels are reviving and promoting experimental music, showing that there's a growing interest in innovative and atmospheric sounds.
  3. Listening to recommended tracks and podcasts can offer a deeper understanding of China’s evolving music landscape and help discover new favorite artists.

What happened in marketing: 30 Days of TikTok, Ads on Threads and Reddit vs X

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Social media Advertising Trends Politics
  1. Trump is starting to use TikTok for his messaging, which could impact how politics and social media mix.
  2. Threads is introducing ads, which means it’s becoming more similar to other social media platforms.
  3. Reddit is moving away from X (formerly Twitter) and this might change how users engage with different platforms.

The Absurdity of Big Chess

Obvious Bicycle • 460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Entertainment Community Trends
  1. Big Chess, the growing online community around chess, has a lot of content creators and viewers who often rely on computer analysis instead of understanding the game fully. Most casual players can't really grasp the complexity of grandmaster-level chess.
  2. There are huge skill gaps in chess; the difference between a regular player and a grandmaster is immense. Even the top grandmasters have skills that seem almost unreachable for average players.
  3. Despite knowing they don't fully understand what's happening, many people still enjoy watching top-level chess. They might appreciate the excitement, want to see great plays, or are simply drawn to the brilliance of the players.

Weekly Top Picks #88

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Trends Education Research Podcasts
  1. AI companies are facing tough challenges towards the end of 2024. They’re struggling to keep up with expectations and demands.
  2. A guide was shared on how to avoid relying too much on tools like ChatGPT for writing. It's good to think creatively and write on your own.
  3. Only a few AI models have been able to solve a small percentage of tough math benchmarks. This shows that there's still a long way to go in AI development.

The coming pro-smoking discourse

Read Max • 3504 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Discourse Trends Social media Subcultures Influencers
  1. There's a prediction that a pro-smoking discourse backed by socio-political identities is gaining momentum.
  2. Historically, contrarian arguments in favor of smoking have existed but are now potentially resurfacing in various circles.
  3. The potential pro-smoking coalition includes The Intellectual Dark Web, cool downtown art and scene kids, and 'trad' health and lifestyle influencers.

It's Giving: GenZ Groceries

Snaxshot • 579 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Trends CPG Flavors Wine
  1. GenZ is reshaping the food and beverage industry by focusing on new flavor fusions, cleaner ingredients, and aesthetic appeal.
  2. GenZ's influence is evident in the rise of creator packaged goods and a new wave of unique flavors in products like MyMuse soda and Bawi's agua frescas.
  3. This generation is redefining traditional concepts in food and beverage, such as with the development of non-alcoholic aperitifs, innovative salad dressings to improve moods, and chill-able wines tailored to mood and occasion rather than origin.

👑 5+ resources with the TOP creative ads

Business & Marketing with Nika • 39 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Creativity Resources Trends
  1. You can find inspiring ads and creative work at places like Ad Creative Bank or the Ads of the World website. These resources showcase some of the best in advertising.
  2. The Cannes Lions Festival is a big deal for marketers, similar to the Oscars for movies. It's a great place to see top creative work and get inspired.
  3. If you're running online ads, check out the Meta Ads Library or Google's Ads Transparency Center to find creative examples in real-time.

I Suffer From Platform Fatigue and I Bet You Do Too (Without Knowing It)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms User Experience Trends Digital Culture
  1. Many people feel overwhelmed by constant changes and new social media platforms. It's tiring to keep up with what each one offers.
  2. Users experience a sense of loss when platforms change or delete their content. This frustration adds to the fatigue of using these platforms.
  3. The rapid evolution of social media can lead to confusion and a feeling of disconnect. It can be hard to find a platform that meets your needs consistently.

Meta's surrender, Walmart brand refresh and Heineken's brand genius

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Advertising Social media Trends
  1. Meta's recent changes haven’t affected most businesses because their content moderation was already lacking. Many users are concerned about hate speech and adult content getting out of control as Meta steps back.
  2. Walmart is refreshing its brand with small changes to appear more friendly, but it's more about their recent collaborations and less about a big transformation. This reflects the trend of brands wanting to look welcoming without really changing much.
  3. Heineken is working hard to connect with Gen-Z by addressing loneliness and promoting a positive drinking culture. Their creative campaigns are helping them stay relevant, even as younger audiences trend towards less alcohol consumption.

New Beginnings

New World Same Humans • 58 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Trends Research Innovation Society
  1. Starting in 2025, there will be weekly notes sharing thoughts on technology and society. These will help us understand the ongoing tech changes and their impact on our lives.
  2. Community engagement is being reintroduced through monthly discussions where readers can share their thoughts on the topics addressed. This is a space for conversation and connection.
  3. An exciting new project called Chief AI Officer will launch, focusing on how AI affects businesses and professionals. This community aims to provide knowledge and strategies for navigating the AI revolution.

2024 is all About Generative AI for Indian IT

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 559 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI IT Business Trends Innovation
  1. 2024 is set to focus heavily on generative AI in the Indian IT sector. It's expected to drive many business deals and boost revenue.
  2. Major companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and HCLTech will take the lead in integrating AI and enhancing skills for their workforce.
  3. This year aims for bigger AI projects compared to last year, moving towards larger contracts instead of smaller ones.

ZOE balls

Logging the World • 398 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Polling Trends Covid data
  1. Opinion polling can be challenging due to issues with representativeness, such as demographic bias and sampling errors.
  2. Trends in polling data can be stable over time, and short-term fluctuations may not always indicate significant changes.
  3. Subsamples in polling data can lead to wider margins of error and may not always provide accurate insights, caution is advised when interpreting this data.

DeFi Education Bonus Q&A

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Tokens Trends Investing Education
  1. The Q&A sessions are a chance to get insights from experienced professionals in the crypto space. It's a good way to learn about new tokens and trends.
  2. These sessions are especially helpful for new subscribers looking to understand the DeFi landscape. They can ask questions and get tailored answers.
  3. This initiative aims to support and educate subscribers as the year ends, ensuring everyone is informed and ready for upcoming market changes.

How Old Are You?

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Workforce Demographics Startups Trends
  1. OpenAI's team has a wide age range, not just young programmers. They have people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s.
  2. Unlike early tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, OpenAI shows a trend of older founders leading the way.
  3. Sam Altman thinks having older people in tech could be a sign of something wrong in society, but he also notes that older founders tend to be more successful.

Algorithms and the Homogenization of Taste

The Analog Family • 379 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Consumer behavior Travel Personal Identity Art
  1. Social media algorithms influence our tastes by showing us similar things repeatedly, which can make our preferences less personal and more generic. Instead of discovering unique experiences, we often end up picking places that are popular online.
  2. The rise of these algorithms leads to a homogenization of culture, where everyone likes the same music, wears similar clothes, and follows the same trends. This makes our experiences and choices feel less special and diverse.
  3. To combat this, it's important to seek out personal experiences and make choices based on curiosity and spontaneity, rather than popularity. Trying new things and exploring without reliance on online reviews can lead to more memorable and meaningful moments.

Let's Check In on DF's Predictions

Default Wisdom • 88 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Media Social Commentary Lifestyle Society
  1. It's common for commentators to claim they predicted trends when many people have noticed them already. This shows how competitive and attention-seeking the online environment can be.
  2. Some predictions made by writers can seem obvious, while others might have a mix of being true or partially true. Recognizing this helps us understand patterns in culture and media.
  3. Writers may create predictions to establish themselves as authorities, but the value of those predictions can vary greatly, ranging from spot-on to completely off the mark. It begs the question of how much stock we should put into these forecasts.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 29

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Trends Lifestyle Entertainment Social
  1. Starbucks has become a popular hangout for teens, offering sweet drinks and a cozy space. This shift has changed its image but raises questions about health and habits.
  2. Running can be addictive for some people, leading to a mindset where they feel they can keep going without limits. It’s important to reflect on the motivations behind such activities.
  3. A video from The Verge explores why cassette and CD players are still bulky despite advancements in technology, revealing some interesting insights about design trends.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 131 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Media Trends Social Internet
  1. Mean tweets are coming back, which feels nostalgic, like a blast from the past. It's like we've gone back to the 90s in some ways.
  2. Everyone seems to be talking about how those who don't like it will keep complaining. Some people just can’t resist hating on trends.
  3. There's a playful vibe in the air, as if everyone is ready to embrace the fun and chaos of old-school internet culture.

Culture Remix

In Bed With Social • 534 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Trends Brand Innovation Social media
  1. Culture today involves remixing and transformation of existing ideas, not just creating new ones.
  2. Collaboration and co-creation between brands and consumers is becoming more prevalent in the era of brand remix.
  3. Remix culture reflects the complexity of society and offers potential for innovation and expression.

Promote Yourself. Network with Other Readers.

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Networking Promotions Trends Chemical Industry
  1. You can promote yourself in the comments. Introduce yourself if you are new and let others know if you're looking for a job.
  2. Companies and recruiters are invited to share job openings and websites to connect with potential candidates.
  3. Feel free to ask for information on specific chemicals or trends. This is a great place to discuss ideas and work together.