Heartfelt Writing Has Found Its Way Back Through Substack—And We Like It
Social media is incredibly persuasive. It has a clever way of convincing us that if a thought cannot be condensed into a ten-second clip or a punchy caption, it isn’t worth having. We’ve been conditioned into believing that “simple” is better because algorithms reward distractions with virality. And because the digital landscape often favors the loudest and the fastest, there’s a tendency for our reflections to gather dust in the recesses of our minds (unless you already journal).
Mental grazing is an apt description of this state—a cycle of consumption where we are never quite full and always looking for the next bite. But people aren’t built for grazing alone. It’s part of the human experience to crave depth and connection, and that’s precisely why Substack stands out as a sanctuary for the long-form spirit.
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What’s Substack?
Substack is an online publishing platform where writers primarily send newsletters directly to their readers’ inboxes, though it also lives as an ad-free feed on its own app and website. Here, writers—whether seasoned journalists, established celebrities, or aspiring creators—have room to think out loud without the pressure of what’s trending. It’s akin to an ecosystem where the pace slows down just enough for ideas to breathe. Within this space, readers can discover essays that demand more of their time.
Many creators maintain free pages to keep their work accessible, but some offer paid subscriptions for those who wish to invest in the longevity of their favorite voices. It’s a habitat full of nuanced ideas and viewpoints, ranging from deeply personal memoirs to rigorous cultural critiques.
The most compelling aspect of this medium is the relationship it cultivates between the audience and the author. There’s a trust system. You get to support someone because you truly value their perspective, not because an algorithm forced their presence in front of you.
Why It Works
Substack is a treasure trove for the curious and the patient. It’s a haven for thought-daughters who have much to say, but find a 200-character count too limiting for the complexity of their experiences. In this environment, writers can be unfiltered, which gives them the freedom to be seen in their most authentic form. Experiments, poetic digressions, and deep dives into obscure topics are celebrated as part of the beauty of the craft.
While not every essay resonates with everyone, that’s exactly the intent. The platform hosts a plethora of micro-communities that thrive on niche interests, so you don’t need to appeal to the masses to find a dedicated audience.
Reading on Substack is like stepping into a cozy bookstore tucked away from the street, far from the honking horns of mainstream internet. You can follow one thread of thought to its natural end without the interruption of an ad. In that quiet corner, you have the opportunity to listen to one person’s thoughts clearly, which in turn, creates the necessary silence for you to finally hear your own.
Photos by BRIE VENTURA and ELISE MARTINEZ (via Tiktok)
The post Heartfelt Writing Has Found Its Way Back Through Substack—And We Like It first appeared on MEGA.
Heartfelt Writing Has Found Its Way Back Through Substack—And We Like It
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