The hottest Youth Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Stars in Our Phones

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 466 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Astrology Technology Youth Trends Psychology Social media
  1. Astrology is becoming popular again, especially among younger people who use apps for horoscopes. They find it interesting and fun, and it gives them a sense of connection in today's tech-driven world.
  2. Historically, many famous leaders, like Ronald Reagan, have turned to astrology for guidance. This shows that astrology has always held a place in society, despite its ups and downs in popularity.
  3. The market for astrology-related products is growing rapidly. It's expected to double by 2031, indicating a significant rise in interest and belief in astrology as a tool for understanding life.

Gen Z, Social Media is Optional

After Babel • 3383 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Youth Trends Social media Mental health Communication Technology impact
  1. Gen Z has the option to live without social media. It's not a must to be connected online all the time.
  2. Choosing to step away from social media can lead to better sleep, creativity, and stronger relationships with loved ones.
  3. There are practical methods to help people quit social media, like gradually reducing use and focusing on real-life connections instead.

Life is better in real life

City Quitters • 839 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Life Social media Youth Trends Mental health Minimalism
  1. Real life gives us real experiences that phones can distract us from. When we spend too much time on our devices, we miss out on what’s happening around us.
  2. There's a growing desire for people to unplug and enjoy life without smartphones. Many are seeking ways to rediscover experiences like hanging out or exploring nature without capturing them on their phones.
  3. Kids today spend an incredible amount of time on screens, which can affect their social skills and creativity. Finding ways to encourage boredom and real-life interactions is important for better mental health.

Let's check in on MrBeast

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Influencers Social media Pop culture Digital Media Youth Trends
  1. MrBeast, a huge YouTuber, is facing a lot of controversies that could hurt his career. Allegations about his team and business practices have made people question his character.
  2. He’s trying to fix his public image by doing interviews and promoting his new Amazon show. He wants to reassure fans and investors that everything is okay.
  3. The way he handles this situation is important for his future. If he fails, it could change how people see him and affect his many business deals.

The Youth Mental Health Crisis is International, Unless You Rely on a Flawed International Dataset

After Babel • 1118 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Data Analysis Youth Trends Misinformation
  1. Researchers should stop using the Global Burden of Disease study for analyzing mental health trends.
  2. The youth mental health crisis is not just limited to America, but is an international issue in many Western countries with high levels of smartphone adoption.
  3. The Global Burden of Disease study underestimates changes in mental health statistics since 2010, especially in depression, self-harm, and suicide rates.
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Take That, China: Our Dumbest Young People Are Invading Your App

I Might Be Wrong • 14 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Pop culture Youth Trends International relations Humor
  1. A lot of TikTok users are moving to a Chinese app called Xiaohongshu after being upset about bans. It's funny to think that they're going to a Chinese-owned app when they were worried about China.
  2. Chinese users of Xiaohongshu are surprised and a bit frustrated to see so many English videos popping up. They didn't expect so many Americans to join their platform.
  3. This situation kind of feels like a playful prank, where American users are now amping up the chaos in a place they never thought would happen. It's like a funny surprise attack on the Chinese app scene.

In Defense of Obnoxious Influencers

Jon’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Youth Trends Digital economy Cultural criticism
  1. Many young people today aspire to be influencers, which may seem trivial compared to traditional careers, but it's a sign of changing times. They are learning to monetize their interests and create their own opportunities.
  2. Influencers can be seen as part of a new wave of digital entrepreneurship, allowing anyone to turn a hobby into a business with less barriers than before. This reflects a shift towards more freedom in how people choose to earn a living.
  3. Having more niches and diverse paths for success in society can lead to a more vibrant and stable community. Embracing this change could help empower more individuals to follow their passions and create value.