The hottest Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Fit Talk with GQ's Yang-Yi Goh

sprezza • 353 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Trends
  1. Yang-Yi Goh embraces a genreless style by blending different aesthetics.
  2. The internet has played a significant role in breaking down traditional fashion boundaries.
  3. Yang-Yi Goh's fashion sense is influenced by a mix of preppy style and various subcultures.

Are We In a Hyper-Sexual Culture or Not?

Many Such Cases • 1079 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. There's a mix of hyper-sexuality and sexual emptiness in our culture. We see lots of sexual content online, but it often feels lacking in intimacy and meaning.
  2. Media has shifted from playful to more serious when showing sex. Many now complain about romantic comedies being too sexual, even though that's been a tradition.
  3. People often react negatively to sexual scenes in movies, which highlights a growing discomfort with sexuality. This can make our current sexual culture feel dull and disconnected.

Biker jackets are not cool

Blackbird Spyplane • 1458 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Trends
  1. Blackbird Spyplane values non-judgmental and non-doctrinaire style advice.
  2. Biker jackets are considered not cool due to excessive design elements.
  3. While some exceptions exist, biker jackets have generally fallen out of fashion since the early 2000s.

The Trenderprise

benn.substack • 818 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. Many people dislike using software like Jira because it's complicated and not user-friendly. But ironically, it keeps being bought because management, not the users, are the ones making the decisions.
  2. The market has shifted towards buying software that meets the needs of users rather than IT departments. Companies like Asana market directly to users, making their products popular among teams.
  3. Today, product popularity can be influenced more by trends and social media than by quality. People are more likely to buy something because it's seen as cool or trendy, not just because it works well.
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Attacking 12 pers. Pistol from a Tilt Front

MatchQuarters • 353 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Trends
  1. Defenses in football tend to adjust to offensive trends over time.
  2. As offenses shift towards bigger packages, defenses must react by getting lighter and adjusting their strategies.
  3. The use of spread formations in college football emphasizes getting elite athletes in open space and has led to defensive innovations like the 3-Safety system.

Hidden Open Thread 383.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. This post is designed for paying subscribers only. It's important to support content creators by subscribing if you enjoy their work.
  2. There is a comment section for readers to engage and share their thoughts. It's a good way to connect with others who have similar interests.
  3. The post may include various topics for discussion, making it a flexible space for sharing ideas and perspectives. It's a nice way to explore different viewpoints.

The coming pro-smoking discourse

Read Max • 3504 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Trends
  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.

I LIKE Labubus and Dubai Chocolate and Matcha and Lana and Brandy Melville and TikTok Aesthetics and and and

Default Wisdom • 210 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Trends on TikTok, like Labubus and Dubai chocolates, might seem random but actually reflect deeper cultural connections. People enjoy sharing and discussing them, which brings a sense of community.
  2. The identity of today's culture isn't tied to specific trends but rather to the ability to navigate and mix different aesthetics. Being part of this conversation is what matters now.
  3. Many people view AI, like ChatGPT, as infallible, which could lead to misinformation. It's important to stay critical and ask questions to discern what's true.

What lies ahead for robotics and AI in 2024?

Robots & Startups • 319 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. The top three technological, social, and economic trends in robotics and AI in 2024 are worth exploring.
  2. Exciting advancements may surprise us in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.
  3. Robotic and AI developments are anticipated to shape the future in diverse and impactful ways.

I Joined TikTok Refugees on RedNote. Here’s What It’s Like.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 686 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Many people are moving from TikTok to a new app called RedNote due to concerns about a potential ban. This shift shows how social media changes quickly based on user needs.
  2. RedNote is a Chinese app that feels different from TikTok, with most content in Mandarin. Users are finding it hard to adjust since it mainly caters to a Chinese audience.
  3. Despite the differences, both American and Chinese users on RedNote are engaging together, often humorously referencing their cultural differences. This highlights how social media can connect people across boundaries.

Management Section Intro: Tidy Together Chapter

Software Design: Tidy First? • 243 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. Tidyings are small design changes you can make on your own. It's important to find a good rhythm for when to start and stop these changes.
  2. The next step in design management is more complex than just tidying up. It involves big refactoring challenges that need teamwork.
  3. Managing tidying design changes can improve overall software quality, but it requires balancing between making improvements and delivering new features.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

454: Biggest Bond Crash in 150 Years, Microsoft + Activision, ARM, Wikipedia, Jimmy Buffett, Semiconductors, and Tokyo Digital Twin

Liberty’s Highlights • 471 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
💰 Finance Trends
  1. The biggest bond market rout in 150 years is happening now.
  2. Once-in-a-century events appear more frequently due to statistical misunderstanding, evolving baselines, and increased detection and reporting.
  3. Statistical probabilities can explain why 'rare' events seem to be happening more often in recent times.

Stealing Signals, Week 6, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 519 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Trends
  1. Analysis in football is influenced by past analysis, biases, and being in the right position to predict future trends.
  2. Scoring in the NFL this season is down, with fewer points per team game and lower passing efficiency.
  3. Game summaries can reveal player performances and team strategies, like RB usage shifts and low passing volume.

Know Your Business (KYB): The next frontier of knowing everything about your customers

Fintech Fundamentals • 471 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
💼 Business Trends
  1. KYB is an extension of KYC processes, focusing on verifying identity and assessing risk of business customers.
  2. Regulatory landscape around KYB has evolved over time, with laws requiring more scrutiny on business relationships.
  3. Major trends in KYB include the growth of fraud and cyber risks, increasing number of small businesses, and the demand for consumer-like digital experiences by SMBs.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.

The Raunchy Right Has Triumphed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. A new MAGA-themed pinup calendar has been released, showing a shift in American culture influenced by conservative ideas.
  2. The calendar is promoted as a symbol of a 'golden age' by the company behind it, reflecting their political stance.
  3. This is part of a larger trend where conservative themes are becoming more prominent in pop culture and marketing.

The AI Application Land Grab

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. There has been a trend of big companies acquiring smaller AI firms to stay competitive, driven by fears of not keeping up with the latest technology. This could mean more interesting developments in the AI space in the near future.
  2. Many major tech companies are looking to acquire not just applications but also data management firms, as having the right data is crucial for AI success. This means we might see more acquisitions focused on data management.
  3. While some startups are getting acquired, many leading infrastructure companies are staying independent, possibly because they are doing well on their own or the big companies feel confident in their existing infrastructure. This shows a different strategy in the market right now.

Talkin’ bout an AI Revolution: 3 scenarios

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. By 2030, we might still be at the start of a major AI development period. It's okay because this means we have a lot of exciting advancements ahead.
  2. More traditional institutions, like big banks, are now seriously talking about AI. This shows that AI is becoming a big deal in the mainstream world, not just in tech circles.
  3. Experts believe that as AI keeps getting better, the 2020s could see various new economic and technological changes. This could change how we live and work in many ways.

The Absurdity of Big Chess

Obvious Bicycle • 460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Back to the Corecore

escape the algorithm • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Reflecting on nostalgic online spaces like Myspace can evoke existential thoughts on our insignificance in the vast digital landscape.
  2. Considering the impact of AI-generated content and online manipulation leads to questioning the authenticity and purpose of online interactions.
  3. Engaging in unconventional internet navigation challenges, like exploring Instagram through tagged photos, can provide unique perspectives and experiences.

Is It Cool to Be Right-Wing Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 375 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trends
  1. There seems to be new interest in right-wing beliefs, especially among younger people. This has sparked a lot of conversations online.
  2. A recent magazine cover featuring young Trump supporters has caused a lot of debate. People are discussing what it means for the future of politics.
  3. There's a question about whether conservatives should engage with reporters who don’t support their views. This is making people think about how to communicate across different beliefs.

What the Hell Is Going On With Donna Briggs?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. There's a viral figure named Donna Briggs who has sparked conversations about identity and transformation on social media. People are curious about her story and the changes she's undergone.
  2. The concept of 'transracialism' is discussed, suggesting that there may be deeper reasons behind why some individuals feel they belong to a different race than the one they were born into.
  3. Personal anecdotes reveal a sense of nostalgia and longing for past experiences and emotions, highlighting how life can change as we grow older.

Boring niches are extremely valuable

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Trends
  1. Boring niches in media can be very profitable, as they often provide unique insights that larger publications may overlook. This means that publications focusing on less glamorous topics can attract a dedicated audience.
  2. There's a dilemma in the media about whether to prioritize quality journalism or profitability. Some outlets might keep their paywalls but cut back on original content, which might affect their credibility.
  3. Short-form content, like mini dramas, is gaining traction and proving successful in markets like China, hinting that there may be untapped potential for similar formats elsewhere.

China's Best Music of 2024

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎶 Music 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.

Daily Chartbook #272

Daily Chartbook • 1519 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
💰 Finance Trends
  1. Freight rates have increased but not as much as in previous years
  2. Geopolitical risks are leading to more mentions of 'reshoring' in corporate earnings calls
  3. The Credit Managers Index report for August shows signs of weakness

Daily Chartbook #264

Daily Chartbook • 1545 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💰 Finance Trends
  1. Affordability calculations include median existing home prices and mortgage rates.
  2. US households are handling high mortgage rates well, so far affecting only homebuyers.
  3. Existing home sales decreased more than expected, with slowest pace since 2010.

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 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.

Paid content: Stuff that isn't useless

Wood From Eden • 384 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. The post suggests a list of useful material things to own. These items have been tested and proved their worth over time.
  2. It focuses on practical gifts to consider before the holiday season. The idea is to avoid useless items and choose things that bring real value.
  3. The content is meant for paid subscribers, indicating it's exclusive and curated for those willing to invest in quality information.

Units

Dada Drummer Almanach • 115 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. The traditional role of arts critics is changing, with some being reassigned to different duties at major publications. This shift raises questions about the future of arts coverage.
  2. There's a belief that reviews play an important role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art. However, some argue that personal experiences with art have less economic significance in today's digital world.
  3. The decline of daily arts reviews could lead to a more impersonal approach to covering culture, which might not resonate with audiences or support individual artists like it once did.