The hottest Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Girlfood

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 235 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Trends
  1. The trend of 'girl dinner' involves young women making meals out of snacks, sparking discussions on social media.
  2. Having simple snack meals every night can feel tedious, especially when lacking a kitchen for an extended period.
  3. Eating styles can be influenced by gender dynamics, with certain meal types being associated more with specific social situations or relationships.

Educational attainment and IQ over time

sebjenseb • 216 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🚌 Education Trends
  1. College graduates in 1940 were as smart as PhDs in 2018.
  2. There has been no decrease in scores on crystalized measures of ability since the 1950s.
  3. Educational attainment improves scores on related tests, but not on other IQ tests.

The Litverse Saturday Stat: Gen Z Phone Use

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Gen Z individuals spend a significant amount of time on their phones, with some averaging up to 12 hours a day.
  2. The rise in phone use could impact traditional academic interests, potentially contributing to declines in humanities enrollments.
  3. There is a discussion and anticipation of a shift towards a post-literate generation, influenced by high phone usage and changing preferences.
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Weather and Climate Disasters in Europe

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 726 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Trends
  1. Europe experiences significant economic losses due to weather and climate disasters, averaging about €15 billion annually.
  2. Storms and floods are the main causes of losses in Europe, with heatwaves also impacting the region.
  3. Data collection on disaster impacts in Europe is lacking, making it challenging to assess long-term trends in weather and climate-related losses.

Does London Finally Have a Legit American Barbecue Restaurant?

Vittles • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Trends
  1. There is a new American barbecue restaurant in London, but it's unclear if it can live up to true American BBQ standards.
  2. Many people in London have a love for American culture and food, but that doesn't always translate to quality barbecue.
  3. The success of this restaurant might depend on how well it can capture the spirit of real American barbecue cooking.

Exchange Risk: Coinbase

DeFi Education • 859 implied HN points • 19 May 22
🔮 Crypto Trends
  1. Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. and was the first to go public here. This means it's a big player in the crypto market.
  2. It was founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, who is still involved with the company as a board member.
  3. Exchange risk is something to think about with Coinbase, especially as new information comes out that could impact its operations. Staying informed is key.

What if Taylor Swift Never Moved to Nashville?

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Taylor Swift's decision to move to Nashville at a young age had a significant impact on her career.
  2. The concept of moving to big cities for career opportunities has become less popular recently, with more people opting for remote work and online platforms for launching products.
  3. Industries that were once centralized in big cities are now becoming more dispersed, with cities like Austin, Miami, and Seattle attracting entrepreneurs.

Don't Sign Long Term AI Deals

Enterprise AI Trends • 84 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. Avoid locking yourself into long-term AI deals. Technology is changing fast, and what you invest in today might not be useful in a few months.
  2. Be cautious of making big commitments based on fear of missing out. It's better to be flexible than to be stuck with something that may not work later.
  3. When considering AI platforms or products, think about their relevance over time instead of just their immediate benefits.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 29

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Trends
  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.

🐬 Reality Is What You Make of It 🐬

Default Wisdom • 251 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Cultural trends take time to develop and evolve. They don't just start and finish within a single year.
  2. There's a growing belief that our thoughts and imaginations can shape reality. Many people are exploring ideas like manifestation and online connections in more spiritual ways.
  3. Political landscapes are changing, with a mix of niche ideologies emerging. People are labeling themselves more based on aesthetics rather than clear political beliefs.

Brands are acting strange this Christmas. Something wicked is going on… and it’s bigger than the Las Vegas Sphere!

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Trends
  1. Brands are being really creative and sometimes strange this Christmas season. They are trying out new and unexpected marketing campaigns to grab people's attention.
  2. There seems to be a trend where marketers are moving from big corporations to more exciting roles with sports teams and smaller brands. This shift might be due to wanting more fulfilling work.
  3. The influence of social media, especially with Gen Z, is really shaping how brands communicate and engage with customers. Brands are focused on understanding what makes this generation tick to better connect with them.

Welcome to Full Moon

New World Same Humans • 15 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🪑 Design Trends
  1. Full Moon is a new space for deep thinking at the intersection of humans, technology, and business, aimed at designers, marketers, strategists, founders and other creative knowledge workers.
  2. It will publish a monthly deep-dive essay on each full moon and offers paid benefits like a monthly podcast, video Q&As, shorter Ideas, and early access to in-person events.
  3. The launch focuses on the future of design in an AI age, arguing that feeling, relevance, and human consequence matter, and members can gift a free year to someone aged 28 or under to bring younger voices into the conversation.

AI as Sparkly Magic

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 627 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. Technology can feel like magic when it is not fully understood
  2. The trend of using sparkly icons in tech products to represent AI is becoming more common
  3. AI, especially large language models like GPT-4, is seen as the ultimate incomprehensible technology

We may have reached an early AI usage peak

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. AI usage may have hit its first peak recently, with signs of slowing down in adoption across different industries.
  2. Even with a setback, companies are still finding ways to use AI effectively, showing there’s still interest and potential for growth.
  3. Historical patterns show that trends in tech, like AI, often have ups and downs, so we shouldn't assume growth will always continue.

Edible Cogitations

Snaxshot • 239 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Trends
  1. Snaxshot offers a newsletter on upcoming food and beverage trends
  2. The newsletter is read by executives in food and beverage companies worldwide
  3. Upgrade subscription for full access and exclusive content

($) Two Charts That Matter in Mary Meeker’s AI Deck

Interconnected • 77 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. Mary Meeker's new AI deck shows a lot of positive trends about AI growth, but two specific charts tell a more complex story.
  2. One of the charts focuses on the geopolitical competition between the US and China in AI technology.
  3. The other chart looks at the fundamental business aspects of AI, providing a more balanced view of its future.

How macro-trends are shaping our diets

In Bed With Social • 158 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Trends
  1. Climate change is prompting a reexamination of food production and the promotion of biodiversity.
  2. The aging population is driving a culinary revolution to meet the dietary needs of seniors.
  3. Social media platforms like TikTok are influencing culinary trends and preserving culinary traditions in unexpected ways.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 131 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  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.

Open Banking & Embedded Finance – Two sides of the same coin; Which technologies are shaping the future of fintech?; So what has the winning strategy for fintechs been over the last decade?;

Fintech Wrap Up • 58 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💰 Finance Trends
  1. Open Banking and Embedded Finance are closely related concepts driving innovation in fintech through APIs.
  2. Key winning strategies for fintech success include starting with a unique product, scaling to improve cost efficiency, and expanding to offer multiple related products.
  3. Fintech investments globally saw a significant drop in 2023, but confidence started to return towards the end of the year.

Looksmaxxing: chronicles of harmful beauty standards

The Digital Native • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Looksmaxxing is about maximizing physical appearance through basic self-care techniques.
  2. Looksmaxxing should be balanced with mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, not just focused on physical appearance.
  3. Historically, beauty standards have often been unrealistic and harmful, emphasizing the importance of balanced self-care.

Why security is a bad business

Frankly Speaking • 457 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Trends
  1. Cybersecurity industry is highly competitive and fragmented.
  2. Investment in cybersecurity is driven by the prevalence of technology and evolving threats.
  3. Developing security for technology typically happens after its success and use cases are known.

Kum & Go is dead. Long live, Kum & Go

Men Yell at Me • 144 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. Kum & Go gas stations are getting a new name after being sold to Maverik. This change is part of a rebranding effort.
  2. The new branding has been criticized for stripping away the fun and unique aspects of the Kum & Go name. Many feel it's becoming just another boring corporate brand.
  3. People are nostalgic about the old name and believe it added character to the gas station experience. There’s a sense of loss over the personality it had.

Resisting the Enshittification of Work

Make Work Better • 157 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Trends
  1. Enshittification is when a service becomes worse over time due to profit-focused changes, just like users notice on platforms like Google and Amazon.
  2. Many workers are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by constant notifications and meetings, leading to a lack of satisfaction at work.
  3. Leaders need to actively improve workplace culture to combat this decline and make work a source of meaning instead of stress.

The Items of Interest Edition

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Trends
  1. There are some new products worth checking out lately. It's nice to see fresh ideas and designs coming into the market.
  2. This edition feels lighter compared to previous ones, offering a break from heavier topics.
  3. Subscribing can give you more insights and access to past posts, plus a free trial allows you to explore before committing.

Promote Yourself. Network with Other Readers.

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Trends
  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.

kitten corner: sartorial science

bad cattitude • 141 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Trends
  1. Dressing nicely can help you feel good and fit in at events. It’s like dressing for the party you want to attend.
  2. Sometimes, it’s fun to dress up pets, like cats, in cute outfits. It can make their personalities shine even more.
  3. Fashion can be playful and creative, especially around holidays. A festive outfit can bring joy to both the wearer and those around them.

An Outlook on AI

Spilled Coffee • 52 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Trends
  1. AI tools like ChatGPT can take on many tasks, making them valuable assistants instead of hiring more employees. This change can boost productivity significantly.
  2. Many large companies are now adopting AI technology to improve their work processes, which hints at a future where AI becomes a standard part of business operations.
  3. Mary Meeker's report on AI gives important insights into how this technology is changing the way we build and work, suggesting that we should pay attention to these trends.

Weekly Top Picks #88

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Trends
  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.

Instagram wants Gen-Z. Advertisers wants budget. You want less ads on streaming &...

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Trends
  1. Instagram is trying hard to attract younger users like Gen-Z. This is important for keeping the platform fresh and popular.
  2. Advertisers are looking for budget-friendly options as they adjust their spending. This means they want effective ways to reach their audience without overspending.
  3. There's been a rise in ads on platforms like Amazon and YouTube, which might make the user experience feel more crowded. People are hoping for fewer ads on streaming services instead.

Charts & More Charts

Spilled Coffee • 44 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💰 Finance Trends
  1. There are many intriguing charts out there that can help us understand market movements. Sharing these visuals can provide valuable insights to readers.
  2. A significant amount of money is currently in Money Market Funds, but it's actually a small fraction compared to total assets. It's important to see these numbers in the right context.
  3. Mortgage applications are picking up, suggesting a possible shift in the housing market. If mortgage rates drop, there could be a surge in home buying soon.

Creator News Roundup: 02/12/2024

Cosmos • 39 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Trends
  1. Creators are collaborating with big names like NBA players, Netflix, and Nike, showcasing the power and influence of content creators today.
  2. Creator-led productions, like the Sidemen's documentary on Netflix, highlight the growing trend of creators taking control of their content production and distribution.
  3. New partnerships, such as Nike teaming up with a Twitch streamer, signify a shift towards unconventional collaborations and influencers being sought out by major brands for marketing.