Substack is a digital platform that blends the features of a blog and a newsletter. Founded in 2017 by Chris Best, Jairaj Sethi, and journalist Hamish McKenzie, it allows anyone to publish articles, videos, podcasts, or even live streams directly to their audience. Users can choose to share their content freely or reserve it for paying subscribers, with subscription fees typically starting at around €5 to €6 per month. Substack takes a 10% commission on these payments, along with transaction fees from its payment system, Stripe. The platform has gained popularity among Generation Z for its more personal and reflective style of content, which offers an alternative to the fast-paced scrolling of social media. Unlike traditional social networks, Substack encourages in-depth, long-form writing and offers a more intimate experience. Users can follow writers, journalists, or creators whose work interests them, and receive updates directly in their inbox. This model allows authors to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and connect directly with their audience, often asking for direct financial support. For example, singer Patti Smith shares content with her 246,000 subscribers, while writers like Julia Kerninon use Substack to explore more personal and unfiltered topics, distinct from their published works. Many users, like 26-year-old Patricia, find the platform appealing for its depth and the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and narratives. Substack has been described as a "calmer" alternative to platforms like Instagram or TikTok, where content is often fast-paced and visually driven. Users appreciate the slower, more reflective nature of reading on Substack, where posts encourage deeper thinking and introspection. However, this format also carries the risk of less journalistic rigor. While Substack hosts a wide range of content, including political analysis, cultural commentary, and personal reflections, it is more focused on individual perspectives than on traditional investigative journalism. Investigative reports, which require significant resources and time, are relatively rare on the platform. Despite its appeal, Substack is not without its challenges. Like other online platforms, it has faced criticism for hosting content that can be controversial or harmful. An investigation by The Guardian found that newsletters containing neo-Nazi, supremacist, or antisemitic content were being recommended to subscribers, raising concerns about the platform's ability to moderate such material. Additionally, the pursuit of visibility can lead to content that is more about self-promotion than substance. Some users, like Sophie Blondeau, have struggled to gain traction, with only a small number of subscribers after a month of posting. While Substack offers a space for creativity and connection, it also reflects the broader challenges of online attention economy, where the desire to be seen can overshadow the quality of the content itself.