In My Tribe

In My Tribe explores complex societal, political, and economic issues with a focus on skepticism, the importance of epistemology, and the critique of managerial elites and institutional dynamics. It addresses contemporary social debates, including drug policy, gender roles, and the influence of libertarianism, while promoting intellectual discussions.

Societal and Epistemic Analysis Political and Economic Views Drug Policy and Regulation Gender Dynamics in Institutions Racial Perceptions in Legal Systems Generational Cultural Shifts Evolutionary Perspectives on Behavior Managerial Class Critique Cultural and Political Discussions Religious Authority in Modern Societies Financial Regulation Economics and Sociology Political Beliefs Formation Libertarianism Health Insurance Policy

The hottest Substack posts of In My Tribe

And their main takeaways

The Real Significance of the new AI

425 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Wearables Robotics
  1. New AI tools let us talk to computers like we talk to people. This makes using technology easier and more natural.
  2. With these advances, we may soon use smart wearables like glasses and watches with natural language rather than buttons.
  3. The new AI also opens up possibilities for better interactions with robots, making them simpler to train and use.

Fertility Links, 12/8/2024

394 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Fertility Policy Society Marriage
  1. By 2050, the working-age population will mostly come from Africa and India, with Nigeria's population matching that of the entire EU. This shift will affect global dynamics significantly.
  2. To boost fertility rates, experts suggest giving parents financial incentives right when children are born, rather than long-term support. They also recommend policies that encourage marriage, as married couples tend to have more children.
  3. In Britain, there's a need to change how families are treated in the tax system. Encouraging larger families through better policies and communication about the fertility crisis could help address declining birth rates.

Trump Transition Issues

425 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political appointments Economic Policy Bureaucracy
  1. Trump's appointees may struggle because they lack management experience and don't bring their own teams. This can make it hard for them to effectively lead their agencies right away.
  2. Scott Bessent has clear goals for economic growth and budget management. His plan might help improve the economy if implemented well.
  3. There's a debate about government efficiency. Some think we should reward agencies for being cheap and effective, but others believe we need to challenge the way many agencies operate instead.

Getting it Right vs. Getting Ahead

379 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Decision-making Academia Policy Organizational Behavior
  1. In a meeting, people can either aim to show they were on the winning side or focus on what will lead to the best long-term results. These two priorities often clash, especially in organizations.
  2. In academia, flattering important figures may help someone advance, even if it doesn't contribute to real knowledge. This can lead to challenges for those who prioritize truth over personal gain.
  3. It's common for workers to try to guess what their managers want rather than providing honest opinions. This can result in a culture where the truth is overlooked for the sake of advancement.

Can society be perfect?

486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.
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Putting the I in Team

364 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Workplace Teamwork Employee Relations Organizational Behavior
  1. Teamwork relies on everyone doing their part. If some people don't contribute, it can hurt the whole team's chances of success.
  2. Hiring people who are responsible and committed can help encourage teamwork. When employees feel connected to their mission or colleagues, they're less likely to slack off.
  3. Measuring how well employees cooperate can improve teamwork. Giving clear examples of what good teamwork looks like can help everyone understand how to contribute.

Children and Social Media Links

227 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Youth Mental Health Legislation Public Discourse Crisis response
  1. People worry that social media harms kids, just like past generations worried about things like comic books and movies. Over time, these fears might seem outdated or exaggerated.
  2. Studies show that teen depression increased significantly after the rise of smartphones and social media. This suggests that these platforms might have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Laws to verify ages online aim to protect kids, but they can also limit freedom and privacy for everyone. It's a tricky balance between keeping children safe and respecting individual rights.

Fertility Links

258 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Demographics Culture Economics Education
  1. Having a large family isn't just about genes; social factors and peer influence play a big role in family size. Changes in culture can lead to shifts in how many children people choose to have.
  2. U.S. education policies may unintentionally delay family planning by encouraging young people to stay in school longer. This can create a lifestyle that is not very conducive to having kids.
  3. Population density doesn’t seem to strongly affect fertility rates. Family-oriented people often prefer living in suburban or rural areas, which may be why we see lower fertility rates in cities.

LLM Links, 1/17

212 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Productivity Automation Regulation
  1. Intelligence can help us break down regulatory barriers and improve cooperation. A higher baseline of intelligence might push us to recognize and fix our bad decisions more easily.
  2. The adoption of AI will be slow because organizations and systems take time to change. Even with advanced AI, many people might not notice its presence right away.
  3. Bill Gates believes AI will take over routine tasks, leaving creative work for humans. However, there’s a chance that AI could also become creative, challenging the idea that humans are solely responsible for creativity.

LLM Links, 1/16

212 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Robotics LLMs
  1. A school in Arizona is using AI as the only teachers for a new educational model. This approach aims to tailor lessons to students' needs and allow more time for personal interests.
  2. Robots still struggle with tasks that are easy for humans, like picking up objects. This shows that achieving true artificial general intelligence is still a long way off.
  3. Using chatbots like ChatGPT can help with everyday problems, like homework. By asking the right questions, you can get creative suggestions that you might not think of on your own.

Freud and the Beatles

440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Philosophy History Social Change Art
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

Links to Consider, 11/14/2024

394 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Inflation Political trends Social Issues
  1. Social issues are becoming more relaxed, and many activities that were once illegal are now accepted. This change shows a shift in American values, as old social norms are less effective.
  2. The recent elections showed that voters are focused on inflation, which influenced their choices. Many people felt dissatisfied with the Democratic candidates, especially Kamala Harris, leading to a shift towards Republicans.
  3. Traditional media like TV is losing younger audiences, while platforms like podcasts and social media are gaining popularity. This shift reflects a changing media landscape where people seek different ways to get their news.

Economics and Business Links, 1/15

212 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Analysis Real Estate
  1. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have had complicated financial dealings with the Treasury. Their situation raises questions about privatization and how the accounting around their debts is handled.
  2. Eugene Fama argues that bubbles in market prices are hard to prove, suggesting that price swings are unpredictable and don't meet the classic idea of a bubble.
  3. Experts like Bill McBride believe there's concern about a housing bubble due to rising house prices, but he notes that lending standards are better now than during previous bubbles.

Links to Consider, 10/26/2024

455 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Social movements Free speech
  1. Noah Smith emphasizes that police are important for public safety and crime reduction. However, he believes there are still ways to improve police practices.
  2. Greg Lukianoff notes that campus deplatforming is at an all-time high, with many attempts to silence differing opinions. It's a worrying trend for free speech.
  3. Aswath Damodaran questions whether breaking up big tech companies is beneficial, suggesting that it may hurt innovation and favor legal professionals instead.

Links to Consider, 11/22/2024

349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Regulation Mental health Social media Executive Power
  1. There are situations where the law isn't followed as written, and officials can create their own rules. This can lead to them only helping those who know how to navigate these unofficial processes.
  2. Some experts believe that a more advanced society might need less democracy, with more reliance on specialized knowledge and secrecy. This suggests a shift away from traditional democratic values.
  3. Social media can amplify extreme voices, which affects how society views issues and political figures. It mixes up the way we see our neighbors and can deepen divisions.

The 2028 Election

349 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Voter trends Party Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Voters often select candidates based on what they dislike instead of what they like. This can lead to politicians misunderstanding the actual public sentiment.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges attracting diverse groups who are increasingly open to Republican ideas. They need to engage these groups as equals rather than treating them as inexperienced.
  3. The future political landscape will depend on people's economic feelings and the dynamics between masculine and feminine approaches in society. Both of these factors could shape the 2028 election.

What's Holding Up Progress?

410 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Regulation Economics Transport
  1. Self-driving taxis could change the way we think about car ownership. They might make owning a personal car feel less safe over time.
  2. Many great ideas from the past are still unused because of rules and culture blocking them. There's a huge potential in reviving these old ideas in new ways.
  3. Regulations are slowing down progress, especially in Europe. The rules are making it harder for economies to grow, even though they should be benefiting from things like a big market.

Overhead Costs vs. Marginal Costs

227 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Management Market Analysis Business strategy
  1. Overhead costs are the ongoing expenses of running a business, while marginal costs are the expenses incurred by producing one additional unit.
  2. Many businesses today focus more on overhead costs because it's hard to measure the contribution of individuals in a team setting.
  3. Understanding these costs is important for making better decisions about managing a business.

LLM Links, 12/1

288 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data Ethics Education
  1. AI systems are being developed to have better memory which would improve conversations with users. If they can remember past interactions, it could lead to more meaningful and deeper exchanges.
  2. Humans have unique qualities like vulnerability and connection that AI can't replicate. This means people will still value human interactions over machines, no matter how advanced they become.
  3. Virtual friends powered by AI can help those who are lonely, but they might also distract from real-life relationships. It's important to balance technology use with human connections.

Links to Consider, 12/6/2024

273 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Economic Policy Technology Policy Education & Policy Public Opinion
  1. Many single young women now believe they are happier being single than married. Furthermore, fewer of them want to become parents, which could change family dynamics in the future.
  2. There are misleading charts about labor compensation and productivity that mix up different measures, which can confuse people about economic realities. It's important to understand the context behind statistics.
  3. Age verification for social media users is a challenge that could potentially be addressed with better technology. However, it's essential to balance the benefits and dangers of social media while enforcing age limits.

Facebook's Challenges

379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content Moderation Advertising Artificial Intelligence
  1. Facebook struggles with content moderation because it has to balance user complaints. If they are too strict or too lenient, someone will be unhappy.
  2. Switching to a subscription model would likely not work well for Facebook since it would lose valuable user data that helps target ads.
  3. Facebook sees TikTok as a competitor and has changed its platform to reach users who want to connect with strangers, which has led to some issues with political content.

Changes in the Demand for College

394 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Gender Issues Cultural Trends Youth culture
  1. More women are going to college, but many young men feel it's not a masculine environment. This creates a gap where some boys are looking for other paths instead.
  2. There's a belief that too many people are attending college, especially those who may not need a degree for their career goals. It might be better for those individuals to seek alternative options.
  3. The way colleges handle dating and social interactions may be discouraging relationships, leading some to think less about the college experience as a place to meet partners.

Links to Consider, 11/24/2024

273 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philanthropy Sustainability Science Social Class Bureaucracy
  1. Banks face significant costs when forced to divert funds away from profitable fossil fuel loans to support unprofitable green energy ventures. This often results in financial burdens on depositors and can lead to bank failures.
  2. Scientific research is becoming risk-averse due to heavy reliance on citation metrics, which encourages safe, incremental work and often ignores innovative, high-risk projects. This can slow down advancements in science.
  3. Higher education significantly influences social class in America, creating a unified culture among graduates. In contrast, those without a college education often lack a sense of community and solidarity.

LLM Links, 11/21

273 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Robotics Data science Innovation
  1. There's a debate about AI progress. Some experts think AI models are hitting a limit and may not get much smarter, while others believe we will continue to see significant advancements.
  2. While machine learning can learn from explicit knowledge, it struggles with understanding deeper, unspoken human knowledge. This limitation might prevent AI from reaching the same expertise as human experts.
  3. AI technologies are still showing exciting developments, like robots learning to perform surgeries by watching videos. This points to the potential for AI to revolutionize fields like medicine.

Election Links

364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Economics Policy Criticism
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

Links to Consider, 10/31/2024

318 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Energy Policy Cultural critique
  1. There are concerns about universities becoming less helpful and more like madrassas, which could harm scientific progress. Some people think we need to seriously rethink how universities operate.
  2. A new app called SocialAI lets users interact with AI-generated comments, creating a fake social network experience. This raises concerns about loneliness and real connections in our increasingly digital lives.
  3. Many men today feel that dating is harder and that their identities are being criticized. Surveys show that while people support gender equality, some men are feeling unwanted and frustrated.

Links to Consider, 10/20/2024

334 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Human connection Community Engagement Family Dynamics Cultural shift Technology impact
  1. It's important to connect with nature, family, and community for a happy life. These connections help us feel more fulfilled and supported.
  2. Privatizing bank regulation could lead to fewer financial crises. A monitoring group could help keep banks in check without relying on federal agencies.
  3. Cultural changes have made raising kids more difficult over time. As society shifts, fewer families having many children reduces support for larger families.

Links to Consider, 11/10/2024

273 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Media Economics Civic engagement
  1. The connection between the government and society has grown stronger over the last 30 years, changing how power is used and its effects on freedom.
  2. There is a growing concern that the people in charge of local businesses no longer represent the interests of their communities, leading to a disconnect in local governance.
  3. Technology may challenge our ability to grasp complex issues, which makes the idea of limited government even more important to protect individual freedoms.

LLM links, 11/17

243 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Robotics Research
  1. AI agents are most helpful when they can repeat simple tasks many times, rather than doing complex, one-time jobs. It’s better to have them automate quick tasks consistently.
  2. Chatbots face serious challenges, especially when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. They should guide users to seek help but also create a safe conversation environment.
  3. There’s concern that new AI models may not improve in accuracy and could actually make mistakes more often. This suggests that AI will always struggle to tell the truth from lies.

Links to Consider, 11/6/2024

258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Technology Conflict History Art
  1. Artificial intelligence can help humans communicate better with computers, but using it to interact with fake people may not achieve much. We still need to be careful in how we approach these technologies.
  2. Conflicts usually have deeper issues behind them, such as need for respect or control. Understanding this can help resolve disputes more effectively.
  3. Being a 'good enough' parent is more about feeling confident and calm. It's okay to have a relaxed view of parenting rather than striving for perfection.

LLM Links

167 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Machine Learning Human-computer interaction Automation
  1. AI-generated podcasts can share information in new ways, like converting written essays into audio. This shows how AI can create engaging content without much input.
  2. Large Language Models (LLMs) struggle to learn new concepts as effectively as humans do because they rely on past data. Humans continue to adapt and learn from everyday experiences.
  3. The potential economic impact of robots is huge, especially for tasks like cleaning and driving. The market for humanoid robots could reach trillions, and they might also help reduce accidents.

Links to Consider, 10/15/2024

288 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Free speech Psychology Society
  1. Personality tests like the Big Five or Myers-Briggs might not be very good at predicting important life outcomes. Their accuracy isn't much better than just guessing.
  2. Free speech has changed over time, moving from a focus on persuading others to simply expressing one's own beliefs. This represents a shift in how we communicate and engage with each other.
  3. Modern societies often value citizenship over family ties, which affects people's views on having children. Many may feel pressured to prioritize social status over family-building.

Links to Consider, 11/2/24

243 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Economics Health care Digital detox Policy
  1. Journalism can become too self-important, especially around political campaigns. This can make journalists feel like they are part of the story instead of just reporting it.
  2. In healthcare, knowing what you actually pay can help people make better choices. A transparent system can encourage people to think about costs and trade-offs.
  3. Economists notice many problems in policies that the average person may overlook. They also understand how economic rules can impact the working poor significantly.

Alice Evans on Acemoglu, et al

273 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Institutions Economics History Society Politics Beliefs
  1. Inclusive institutions are key for long-term economic success. This means that countries need both strong governments and engaged communities.
  2. Culture plays a big role in shaping institutions, and they're closely linked. This connection shows that neither controls the other; they influence each other.
  3. Censorship and ideological battles are significant issues today. Different groups try to control ideas and media, which can impact freedom and reform.

Links to Consider, 11/8/2024

227 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Racism Foreign Relations Economics
  1. Bond markets are reacting to expected inflation, not a debt crisis. This means mortgage rates could rise even if the Fed lowers interest rates.
  2. People notice race because they are naturally group-oriented. Racism stems from our tribal instincts, but it's not built into our thinking.
  3. Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, possibly linked to how technology affects social connections. Research is needed to understand this trend better.

Links to Consider, 10/13/2024

273 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Labor Market Public Policy Social Change
  1. Urban areas are not friendly to big families, which contributes to decreasing birth rates. When people live in cities, they often have fewer children than those in suburbs.
  2. Social views on marriage and careers have shifted. Now, many see being a single working woman as more prestigious than being a married stay-at-home mom, which can affect family size.
  3. AI is changing the job market a lot, and there’s going to be a lot of job turnover. The official job numbers might not show the full picture of these changes.

Links to Consider, 10/11/2024

273 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social media Youth Issues Anxiety Cultural Trends
  1. Young women often face increased anxiety, which can worsen with social media and therapy culture that encourages them to focus excessively on their feelings. This can be harmful and lead to more stress.
  2. In South Korea, high suicide rates among young people may be linked to intense competition and a sense of failure, which could also explain declining fertility rates.
  3. Many young adults today are less likely to live independently or start families. This shift might be tied to changing cultural values that prioritize education and personal freedom over traditional norms.

Links to Consider, 11/4/2024

227 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Economics Labor Market Management Industrial Policy
  1. The job market is changing due to AI taking over routine office tasks. However, more complex management roles might still require human skills.
  2. Some believe that good foreign policy relies more on talking than on action. Words can sometimes seem like solutions even when they aren't.
  3. Recent manufacturing job growth is happening in places less affected by international trade issues. Many manufacturing jobs are still not unionized, which means fewer protections for workers.

Links to Consider, 11/12/2024

212 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Identity politics Media influence Public Policy Legal system
  1. Censorship can be split into two types: hard censorship, which is the removal of content, and soft censorship, which reduces exposure to certain content. Soft censorship is seen as serious because it limits the perspectives people can access.
  2. Identity politics has grown from media focusing on group identities instead of ideas. This shift affects how people engage with each other, often prioritizing identity over actions.
  3. There is a lot of unnecessary laws because people believe every problem needs a legislative solution. Emphasizing common law could potentially be a better approach to managing legal issues.

Links to Consider, 10/29/2024

227 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Lifelong learning Curriculum Child development
  1. The Socratic Experience aims to change education by focusing on personal growth and happiness instead of just curriculum. The goal is to reach millions of students by 2050, which shows it’s about making a positive impact rather than just profit.
  2. Since 2020, the U.S. has seen a big rise in debt, especially government debt, compared to its economic growth. This raises concerns about the sustainability of such debt levels.
  3. The UAE offers greater freedom for work and living compared to many Western countries. Its approach to immigration is different and aims to invite all people for better opportunities.