"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

What Replaces Twitter? With Noah Smith & Chris Best, CEO of Substack

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Jun 21, 2025

Chris Best, CEO of Substack, joins to discuss the transformative role of AI in news media. He envisions Substack as a new breaking news hub amidst Twitter's decline. The conversation delves into the rise of independent voices and the impact of AI on content creation, including live blogging. Best addresses the evolving landscape of media platforms like TikTok and explores the geopolitical nuances of U.S.-China relations. He emphasizes the need for strong alliances to navigate global challenges while enhancing American competitiveness.

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INSIGHT

AI's Impact on Media Creation

AI will transform media by automating content creation even to the extent of generating AI versions of individual writers.
This could result in people consuming AI-generated versions of themselves or others explaining the world back to them.

INSIGHT

Shift to Independent Voices

The collapse of old media has led to a rise in independent voices somewhat consolidated on big internet platforms.
However, these platforms use attention-exploitative models that ultimately harm users' focus and societal health.

INSIGHT

Twitter's Breaking News Decline

Twitter historically served as a crucial breaking news platform relying on live updates by specialists and citizen journalists.
This function has declined with the rise of algorithmic feeds and platform changes, creating an opportunity for Substack to fill the void.

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This week, we're republishing a conversation from last month between Noah Smith and Substack CEO Chris Best, originally streamed on Substack Live. They discuss the future of media in an AI-driven world, including Noah's vision for AI-powered newsletters, the rise of independent voices, and the evolving roles of platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The conversation also explores Substack's potential as a breaking news hub, the broader impact of AI on content creation, shifting U.S.-China relations, and the role of industrial policy in shaping global dynamics.

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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co

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FOLLOW ON X:

@noahpinion

@cjgbest

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Age of Twitter is finally ending. Can Substack take its place?: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/the-age-of-twitter-is-finally-ending

Eugene Wei's Status as a Service:
https://www.eugenewei.com/blog/2019/2/19/status-as-a-service

Noahpinion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.noahpinion.blog/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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TAKEAWAYS:

Death of Twitter as Breaking News Platform: Death of Twitter as Breaking News Platform.
Substack's Opportunity in Breaking News: Noah proposes that Substack could capture 80% of Twitter's former breaking news function.
AI's Role in Media's Future: AI as search engine, curator, and summarizer to help process information overload.
Attention Economy Problem: Chris highlights a crucial insight: "the media you can consume is not just a matter of getting what you want. It also shapes your desires and shapes what you want over time" - emphasizing that content choices shape identity over time.
Geopolitical Concerns: Noah expresses pessimism about America's competitive position.