The hottest Youth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Media Youth Trends Society Criticism
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.

The Real User Interface: Recovering Our Neighborhoods

After Babel • 1397 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Technology Education Religion Urban Youth
  1. Technology is pulling us apart, but we have the tools to bring our communities back together. Building strong, in-person connections helps kids thrive.
  2. Changes like urban planning for cars instead of people, and the decline of local institutions weaken our neighborhoods. We need to create spaces for people to gather and connect.
  3. Individualism and a focus on material success have shifted our dreams away from community ties. Investing time and effort into our neighborhoods can help restore those important social bonds.

Local news has invented another fake TikTok challenge

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3433 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Challenges Youth Misinformation
  1. Local news often creates fake stories about TikTok challenges that don't actually exist, causing unnecessary panic among parents.
  2. These false reports can lead to harmful legislation aimed at social media, ignoring the real issues kids face online.
  3. Misinformation about TikTok challenges highlights a gap in understanding between parents and their kids, making it harder to effectively address online safety.
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When You're Done with that Condom, Just Throw it Anywhere

Both Are True • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Identity Youth Society Tradition
  1. Condoms are often discarded carelessly in places like parking lots. This shows a lack of respect for the environment and the community.
  2. Kids can have misunderstandings about adult behaviors and items, which can create confusion and fear. It's important to explain things clearly to children.
  3. Feeling isolated or rejected during childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on someone. These moments can shape how a person views themselves in social situations.

I have a problem: a desistor's manifesto - part 3

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2456 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Activism Social Issues Media Youth
  1. Concerns about individuals bending gender to harm others in spaces like restrooms and prisons.
  2. Issues with men being awarded and competing in women's categories, affecting fairness and opportunities for women.
  3. Criticism of coercion to accept certain terms, limitations on free speech, and lack of logical debate in the context of trans ideologies.

The Progressive Youth Chimera

The Liberal Patriot • 2279 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Youth Voters Demographics Election Trends
  1. Demographics are not destiny in politics. Voter preferences can change and influence election outcomes.
  2. The perception of youth as uniformly progressive may be inaccurate. Many young voters identify as moderate or conservative on various issues.
  3. Shifts in voter preference within generations can neutralize any advantage gained from generational changes in demographics.

the last time you fell in love

bookbear express • 324 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Identity Emotions Youth Personal Stories
  1. Falling in love can come from deep connections made over time, even in digital spaces, like sharing moments through gaming and conversations. It shows that love can build slowly, in unexpected ways.
  2. Love can also be influenced by past relationships; sometimes, a new connection can bring joy and healing after a toxic experience. It's important to recognize the good things someone gives you without expecting anything in return.
  3. Friendship can sometimes be a beautiful foundation for love, but it can also make things complicated if feelings aren't fully mutual. It's okay to cherish the memories while growing apart.

WATCH: American Miseducation. A New Documentary from The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3232 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Ideology Youth Education
  1. There has been a rise in pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, targeting iconic institutions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum.
  2. Some of the protesters express anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons, advocating for the liberation of Palestinians but often resorting to derogatory language against Israelis, using terms like Zionist, settler-colonialist, and occupier.
  3. There is concern about the influence of ideologies like decolonization and intersectionality on American campuses, leading to sympathy towards terrorism among the Gen Z population, highlighting a shift away from the pursuit of truth in academia.

Jude Bellingham: A Star With the World at His Feet

Original Football • 439 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎾 Sports Football Athlete Inspiration Youth Character
  1. Jude Bellingham is a young football star known for his talent, humility, and maturity, making him both a formidable player and a commendable individual.
  2. Bellingham stands out for his dedication, fearlessness in making mistakes, and understanding of what's truly important, showing a relentless pursuit of greatness and a love for the game.
  3. He embodies a balance of humility and confidence, displays maturity beyond his years, and has a good support system, setting him apart as an exceptional talent with integrity and unwavering determination.

The Luddite Kids saying NO to Smartphones

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1415 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Tech Media Wellness Psychology
  1. Young people are starting to reject smartphones and social media for improved mental health and real-life connections.
  2. The increasing use of technology has led to a mental health crisis among students, with many struggling to attend school.
  3. Children are influenced by social media influencers and marketing to buy things, alter their appearance, and follow trends, leading to dissatisfaction and body dysphoria.

Bursting the Conservative Bubble

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1218 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Gender identity Youth AI Art
  1. Conservatives boycotting companies for promoting the transgender agenda may not be effective as the focus is on influencing the younger Generation Z.
  2. Boycotting a few companies may not be enough to stop the transgender agenda that is progressing towards a future where AI and technology dominate.
  3. Young people are increasingly embracing fluid gender identities and diverse pronouns, reflecting the evolving societal norms.

Hollywood's New Private School Arms Race

The Ankler • 569 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Entertainment Youth Inequality
  1. Los Angeles' private schools are becoming more competitive with an increased focus on rebranding and marketing.
  2. Private schools in Los Angeles are facing challenges such as demographic shifts, DEI curriculum overhauls, and mental health issues among students.
  3. The private school market in Los Angeles remains competitive, with parents heavily investing in the admissions process and schools needing to navigate the needs of both parents and students.

Harry Potter and the Magical Phone

After Babel • 1471 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Technology Social media Youth Education
  1. Harry Potter story reimagined for Gen Z revealing the impact of social media on mental health.
  2. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can contribute to issues like depression, distorted views, and unrealistic expectations.
  3. The story emphasizes the importance of protecting young individuals from the potential dangers of unrestricted access to online content.

Is The Rent Killing Sex?

The Discourse Lounge • 550 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Urbanism Youth Social media Relationships
  1. High housing costs and living arrangements impact young people's sexual activity, but it may not be the sole reason for the decline in sex among the youth.
  2. Social media and digital content consumption are influencing the decline in sexual activity among young people, shifting priorities from physical activities like partying to phone engagement.
  3. The decrease in early marriages and relationships, along with the availability of dating apps providing many options for sex, are other significant factors contributing to the decrease in sexual activity among young people.

Free speech is in trouble

Silver Bulletin • 779 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Youth Liberalism Conservatism Free speech College
  1. Free speech is facing challenges, especially among young liberals who show low tolerance for controversial speech.
  2. College students have varying levels of tolerance for controversial speakers, with notable differences between conservative and liberal viewpoints.
  3. The decline in support for free speech is not limited to elite universities, indicating a broader generational shift.

Letter to Young Americans

American Dreaming • 555 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Youth Nationalism Social justice Freedom of Speech Critique
  1. Young Americans are expressing disillusionment and cynicism towards the US and the West.
  2. These attitudes are linked to a school of thought called postcolonialism, which can lead to left-wing fascism under the guise of social justice.
  3. The author urges young Americans to reevaluate their views and emphasizes the value of freedom of speech in America.

College Days, Then and Now

Restoring Truth • 176 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Youth Education Politics Humor
  1. College life has changed with the influence of social media and modern technology
  2. Current college campuses have a significant presence of leftist ideologies among faculty and students
  3. There is a concern about the impact of radical activism on college campuses and the future of students

We Can Come Back From The Brink

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 235 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture Institutions Elections Modernity Youth
  1. Institutions in the US are under assault, but they continue to function and there are mechanisms for resistance and change.
  2. The American people have the power to influence their political landscape through voting, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
  3. Modernity relies on objective realities like physics and mathematics, which will persist despite ideological pressures.

The Litverse Saturday Stat: Gen Z Phone Use

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Technology Literature Generation 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.

Every shooting at a school in April 2024

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Violence Schools Safety Youth Mental health
  1. Gun violence at schools continues to escalate despite efforts to increase security measures like fortifying campuses.
  2. Community and home environments play a crucial role in preventing school shootings by securing weapons and teaching conflict resolution strategies.
  3. There has been a concerning trend of school shootings and victims over the years, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools.

Being "baby" is not anti-capitalist

The 21st Century Proletarian • 159 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Identity Social Issues Generational Dynamics Self-development
  1. Recognizing and accepting the need for rest and vulnerability is important for well-being.
  2. Cultural infantilization can lead to adults feeling like passive objects instead of active agents in society.
  3. Instead of retreating into comfort, embracing responsibility and resilience is crucial for creating positive change in the world.

Richard

Sounds Good! • 78 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Memoir Friendship Youth Social Interactions
  1. The author is working on a new poetry project named 'Richard', with old and new poems in the sequence.
  2. The author reminisces about past experiences and relationships, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, friendship, and personal growth.
  3. There is a focus on storytelling, memories, and personal reflection through a mix of poetry and prose.

Young Voters Are Furious at Biden. That’s Nice.

American Dreaming • 215 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Polls Voting Youth Foreign Policy
  1. Critics argue that young voters are angry at Biden due to his support for Israel, but data shows this may not be impacting his re-election chances.
  2. Despite concerns about young progressive voters turning away from Biden, the data indicates that they are not a significant voting bloc and may not sway elections.
  3. Changing his stance on Israel/Palestine would not benefit Biden politically, as it could alienate reliable voters to cater to a smaller, less reliable group.

Dynasty

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Elections Democracy Geopolitics Youth
  1. Indonesia's upcoming elections in 2024 reveal a potential political dynasty forming under President Jokowi, despite his image as an anti-dynast.
  2. The removal of age requirements for presidential candidates in Indonesia and familial ties influencing political decisions raise questions about democratic norms.
  3. Lessons from Indonesia's political landscape, where dynastic politics persist, serve as a reminder to other nations, like India, to consider broader changes in political structures and power sharing.

Wednesday at the Track Meet

Restoring Truth • 98 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Education Youth Gender Social Issues
  1. The announcer at the track meet excessively praised the slowest runners, but barely acknowledged the actual winners.
  2. There was a lack of emphasis on identifying winners during the races, with spectators being directed to a website for results.
  3. The school where the track meet took place is implementing unconventional education methods, like not assigning grades and moving away from being college preparatory.

Dispatches from the pre-post-purpose age

Thoughts on Writing • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics Marketing Art Youth Creativity
  1. The ad industry is navigating the shift towards the pre-post-purpose age, where concepts like traditional values and future uncertainties intersect.
  2. Gen Z is a diverse and complex demographic that challenges the assumption of uniformity in purpose-driven marketing narratives.
  3. There is a growing discussion in the adland about redefining the concept of government and democracy, highlighting the evolving landscape of societal conversations beyond just corporate purpose.