TECHNOLOGY

How to Cancel Substack Subscription

Published

3 minutes ago

June 8, 2025

Managing digital subscriptions has become an essential part of everyday life. One common platform that people seek to manage is Substack, a popular service for receiving newsletters and premium content from writers and creators. If you’ve been wondering how to cancel Substack subscription, this guide offers everything you need to know — clearly, efficiently, and without unnecessary complications.

Whether you’re ending your subscription due to cost, content preference, or inbox overload, this article provides a comprehensive explanation of the process. By the end, you’ll be confident in your decision and know all the steps to take, along with alternative options and industry standards.

Understanding Substack Subscriptions

Before diving into how to cancel Substack subscription, it’s essential to understand what it involves. Substack offers both free and paid newsletter subscriptions. Paid subscriptions typically grant access to premium content, podcasts, community discussions, and archives. These are billed monthly or annually, depending on your selection.

Users subscribe using an email address and often link their preferred payment method, such as a credit or debit card. Unlike traditional platforms, Substack allows individual writers to manage subscriptions independently, which adds flexibility but can create confusion when it comes to cancellations.

Reasons to Cancel a Substack Subscription

People cancel subscriptions for various reasons. Here are the most common ones:

Cost Concerns: Monthly or annual fees can add up quickly.
Content Relevance: The content may no longer be helpful, relevant, or engaging.
Overwhelming Inbox: Some users prefer fewer emails.
Change in Preferences: Reading habits and interests evolve over time.
Privacy Considerations: Some may wish to reduce digital footprints.

Understanding your motivation helps clarify whether a temporary pause or a full cancellation is best.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cancel Substack Subscription

To successfully manage your preferences, follow these straightforward steps on how to cancel Substack subscription:

Log Into Your Substack Account

Visit the platform and sign in using the email address linked to your subscription.

Navigate to Account Settings

In the upper-right corner, click your profile icon and select Settings or Account from the dropdown menu.

Access Subscription Details

Scroll to the Subscription or Billing section to view active subscriptions.

Cancel the Subscription

Click on the Manage or Cancel Subscription button next to the relevant newsletter. You’ll be prompted to confirm your decision.

Confirmation

Once you confirm, a cancellation email is sent to your registered address. The current billing period will remain active, and you will not be charged again.

“Users retain access until the end of the billing cycle after cancellation,” notes a newsletter monetization expert.

Things to Remember Before Cancelling

Before you fully commit to cancelling, consider these points:

Check the Billing Date: You might want to cancel just before the next charge.
Download Archived Content: Some content may become inaccessible post-cancellation.
Explore Free Version: Some newsletters offer a free version with reduced content.
Pause Instead of Cancel: A few creators allow subscribers to pause subscriptions.

If your goal is simply to reduce spending or inbox clutter, these options may offer an ideal middle ground.

Substack vs. Other Subscription Platforms

Here’s how Substack stacks up against other subscription platforms when it comes to subscription management:

Feature	Substack	Patreon	Medium	Ko-fi	Buy Me a Coffee
Ease of Use	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High
Cost to Cancel	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Transparency	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High
Flexibility	High	Moderate	Low	High	High
User Control	Direct Control	Limited	Less Control	Direct Control	Direct Control

As evident from the comparison, how to cancel Substack subscription is more intuitive compared to other platforms that may use more complicated systems or third-party integrations.

Common Challenges When Cancelling

Though the process is user-friendly, a few hurdles may arise:

Inactive Email Address

If you’re unable to access the email used to sign up, recovery may take time.

Forgotten Subscription

Many users subscribe and forget, leading to recurring charges until they spot them on their statements.

Lack of Mobile Support

Substack’s mobile app lacks full subscription management, making desktop use preferable.

Delayed Cancellation

While your subscription ends after the current cycle, some may expect immediate cancellation, causing confusion.

To avoid these issues, always maintain updated email credentials and review subscriptions regularly.

Synonyms and Alternative Phrases

If you’re seeking variations on how to cancel Substack subscription, here are alternatives often used in industry communications:

End your Substack plan
Unsubscribe from Substack
Manage Substack newsletter settings
Stop Substack payments
Terminate Substack premium content
Revoke Substack access
Opt-out of Substack services

Using these phrases can also help in searches, customer service communication, and exploring support forums.

Best Practices for Managing Online Subscriptions

Knowing how to cancel Substack subscription is just one part of managing your digital lifestyle. Here are expert tips:

Regular Reviews: Audit subscriptions monthly to identify what’s unused.
Use Subscription Trackers: Apps like Truebill or Mint track and remind you about renewals.
Update Payment Info Promptly: This prevents unwanted renewals from outdated cards.
Set Calendar Reminders: Mark renewal or cancellation dates.
Centralize Your Accounts: Use one email for all services for easier tracking.

“Digital clutter is the new junk drawer. Periodic maintenance is a must,” says software usability expert Sarah Evans.

Exploring Alternatives After Cancelling

Once you know how to cancel Substack subscription, you might look for new content platforms. Consider:

Free blogging sites
News aggregators
Podcasts on streaming platforms
YouTube channels in your interest niche

This shift helps reduce subscription fatigue while keeping you informed and entertained.

How to Reach Support if You Face Issues

If anything goes wrong during cancellation, reaching out for help is crucial. Here’s what to do:

Navigate to the Help or Support section on the platform.
Use the Contact option or submit a ticket.
Describe the issue with clarity: include email, newsletter name, and subscription type.
Be patient — responses may take 24–48 hours.

Importance of Canceling Subscriptions Properly

Leaving subscriptions unchecked leads to:

Unnecessary charges: Even a few dollars monthly can snowball over time.
Digital overwhelm: Too many subscriptions clutter your inbox and mental space.
Security risks: The more accounts you hold, the greater the exposure to data breaches.

Practicing conscious subscription habits keeps your budget and digital life in order.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cancel Substack subscription empowers you to take control of your online engagements. Whether it’s about managing finances, decluttering your digital space, or simply reshaping your reading list, cancellation can be done in a few swift steps. Keep this guide handy, follow the instructions carefully, and explore free or alternative options when possible. Empower yourself with digital discipline, and you’ll never feel overwhelmed by subscriptions again.

FAQs

What happens after I cancel my Substack subscription?

You’ll continue to have access to paid content until your current billing cycle ends, after which it will revert to the free version, if available.

Can I get a refund after canceling my subscription?

Typically, refunds aren’t offered unless there’s a billing error. Review the platform’s refund policy before subscribing.

Is deleting my Substack account the same as canceling the subscription?

No. Canceling the subscription stops payments, while deleting your account removes your profile and associated data.

Can I pause my Substack subscription instead of canceling?

Some writers may offer a pause option, but it’s not a default feature on all newsletters. Check individual settings.

How can I manage multiple Substack subscriptions efficiently?

Use a dedicated email, set reminders, or consider a subscription management tool to stay on top of renewals and cancellations.

Will the writer be notified when I cancel the subscription?

No direct notification is sent to the writer when you cancel, but they may see changes in their subscriber count.

TECHNOLOGY

Gary Marcus Substack: Exploring the Intersection of AI

Published

5 days ago

June 3, 2025

Taylor Reed

The Gary Marcus Substack has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone for critical conversations around artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and public policy. Known for his clear, direct insights, Gary Marcus—a prominent cognitive scientist and outspoken AI commentator—uses this platform to challenge the hype surrounding AI while fostering informed, rational dialogue.

In the digital age where misinformation spreads faster than facts, platforms like Gary’s Substack serve a crucial purpose. It provides readers with an evidence-based, expert-driven outlook on key AI developments, the philosophical roots of cognition, and the socio-political consequences of rapid technological change.

Who Is Gary Marcus?

Gary Marcus is a professor of psychology and neural science known for his skepticism toward claims that deep learning will lead to general artificial intelligence. With a PhD from MIT and extensive experience in AI and neuroscience, he bridges academic rigor with public engagement. His Substack newsletters amplify this dual approach by blending scientific explanation with accessible language.

Gary’s Substack captures his voice—analytical, skeptical, yet open-minded—while appealing to a broad audience ranging from AI researchers to tech enthusiasts and policymakers.

What Sets Gary Marcus Substack Apart?

Unlike other tech-focused newsletters, Gary’s Substack emphasizes critical thinking over techno-utopianism. Here’s what makes it unique:

Evidence-Driven Commentary: He supports each argument with empirical studies, examples from real-world applications, and logic-based analysis.
Diverse Topics: While rooted in artificial intelligence, the content often explores neuroscience, ethics, human cognition, and philosophy.
Public Discourse: Marcus uses the Substack to call for more regulation, ethical considerations, and transparency in AI development.

The platform doesn’t merely inform; it challenges readers to question what they believe about the future of technology.

Gary Marcus’s Views on AI and AGI

One of the recurring themes in the Gary’s Substack is the critique of current AI hype. While many hail machine learning as a breakthrough capable of solving all human problems, Marcus consistently urges caution.

He argues that current models lack symbolic reasoning and true understanding—key components of general intelligence. This position has sparked intense debates across the AI community, especially with the growing influence of large language models.

Yet, Marcus does not reject machine learning entirely. He advocates for a hybrid model—combining symbolic reasoning with statistical approaches—to bridge the gap between human-like understanding and machine efficiency.

How the Substack Connects Science and Society

Another vital contribution of the Gary Marcus Substack is its ability to connect abstract scientific ideas with real-world implications. Whether it’s AI bias, surveillance concerns, or misinformation risks, Marcus addresses how technological decisions impact democracy, privacy, and societal well-being.

His ability to contextualize AI within regulatory frameworks, ethical paradigms, and social norms makes the Substack a must-read for lawmakers and industry leaders.

Comparison Chart: Gary Marcus Substack vs. Other AI Newsletters

Feature	Gary Marcus Substack	Other AI Newsletters
Tone	Critical, Thoughtful	Promotional or Technical
Focus	AI Ethics, Cognition, Regulation	Product Releases, Research Updates
Audience	Researchers, Policy Makers	Developers, Enthusiasts
Frequency	Weekly or Bi-Weekly	Daily/Weekly
Style	Evidence-Based, Accessible	Jargon-Heavy or Promotional
Content Type	Essays, Thought Pieces	News Summaries, Case Studies

Why Gary Marcus Substack Is Gaining Popularity

Amid the noise of tech optimism, Gary Marcus Substack offers a refreshing dose of realism. Its increasing popularity is driven by:

Balanced Perspective: He neither romanticizes nor demonizes AI but offers nuanced critiques.
Educational Value: Readers walk away with deeper understanding, not just opinions.
Timely Topics: From GPT to AGI, Marcus covers trending subjects with intellectual depth.

He addresses both the promises and the pitfalls of emerging technologies without oversimplifying the complexities involved.

Notable Topics Covered

The Substack dives deep into subjects that mainstream tech media often overlooks or simplifies:

Explainability and Transparency in AI
Ethical Challenges in Machine Learning
The Role of Neuroscience in AI
Misconceptions About Deep Learning
Long-Term Societal Impact of Automation

Each post feels like a seminar with a professor who genuinely wants his students—and the world—to think more critically.

Gary Marcus on AGI Myths

One of the most controversial stances in the Gary Marcus Substack is his skepticism about artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike many Silicon Valley pioneers who see AGI as inevitable, Marcus questions its feasibility under current paradigms.

He critiques large-scale language models by pointing out their lack of commonsense reasoning, real-world knowledge grounding, and contextual memory. His arguments resonate with both researchers and laypeople concerned about the direction AI is heading.

Cognitive Science Meets AI

An intriguing element of the Gary Marcus Substack is how it integrates cognitive psychology and neuroscience into AI discussions. Marcus often references how humans learn, process language, and form memories as benchmarks that machines still fall short of.

This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthens his arguments but also encourages developers to think beyond data and computation, toward a more brain-like AI architecture.

What Readers Say About Gary Marcus Substack

The Substack enjoys a loyal following. Here’s what some readers value:

“It keeps me grounded in reality.”
“Finally, an AI expert who talks sense.”
“A newsletter that makes me smarter after every read.”

These endorsements highlight its role as an intellectual oasis in a desert of AI hype and misinformation.

Academic Rigor Meets Accessible Language

Unlike many academic pieces or hyper-technical blogs, the Gary Marcus Substack strikes the perfect balance. It presents scholarly ideas in a tone that is digestible for non-specialists without compromising depth.

This unique blend is achieved by using real-world analogies, visual aids, and step-by-step logical breakdowns of complex topics—ensuring clarity even for those new to cognitive science or AI.

Call for Regulation and Ethics in AI

Marcus uses his platform to advocate for transparency, accountability, and international standards in AI. He sees unregulated AI development as not just a tech issue but a civil rights and safety issue.

He’s especially vocal about:

The dangers of autonomous weapons
Algorithmic bias in hiring and policing
The monopolization of AI research by big tech

This ethical angle makes the Gary Marcus Substack more than a newsletter—it’s a manifesto for responsible innovation.

Conclusion

The Gary Marcus Substack isn’t just another AI newsletter—it’s a thought-provoking platform that invites readers to pause, reflect, and question. In a time where AI narratives are often inflated, Marcus offers a counterbalance rooted in scientific literacy and ethical responsibility.

His Substack serves as a crucial forum where critical thinking, cognitive science, and technology policy intersect. Whether you’re an AI skeptic, enthusiast, or policymaker, subscribing to the Gary’s Substack offers immense intellectual and practical value.

Artificial intelligence is evolving fast, but that doesn’t mean we should abandon caution or critical thought. Through Gary’s Substack, readers are reminded of the human responsibility behind machine intelligence. It’s a wake-up call for developers, regulators, and society at large to approach AI with both optimism and vigilance.