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Singal-Minded is a newsletter focused on the intersection of science, social justice activism, and freedom of expression, often highlighting the conflicts between these areas. It critiques media reporting, social media dynamics, psychological interventions in DEI programs, and scientific research integrity, urging for skepticism, transparency, and rigorous evaluation.

Science and Social Justice Media Criticism Freedom of Expression Transparency in Research Online Harassment and Mental Health Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Youth Gender Medicine Censorship and Book Banning Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse Journalistic Integrity in Science Reporting

The hottest Substack posts of Singal-Minded

And their main takeaways

How To Know Who To Trust, Potomac Plane Crash Edition

401 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trust Issues Media influence Misinformation
  1. Trust is complex and rooted in our evolution as humans. We have to balance our instincts to deceive and to detect deception.
  2. Knowing who to trust is harder today because of the internet. There are many sources, and not all of them are reliable.
  3. Looking for experts can help us navigate claims, but we need to be careful. Sometimes even those with credentials can be wrong or biased.

Allow Me A Brief Burst Of Angry Moralizing

2246 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate International Aid Government funding Political Commentary
  1. Cutting funding to programs like USAID can lead to serious harm, like people getting sick or even dying. This shows that spending decisions need to be thought out carefully.
  2. It's important for people in power to understand what their cuts will affect, especially for vulnerable groups relying on aid. Making big changes without warning causes unnecessary suffering.
  3. Making cuts for cost savings can backfire and end up costing more in the long run. Leaders should focus on thoughtful policy instead of quick-fix solutions that create more problems.

Trump Or No, Science Badly Needs To Look Inward And Heal Itself

1406 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Ethics Scientific Integrity Public Trust
  1. There are serious problems in Alzheimer’s research, including fraud and negligence, which make it hard to trust the current science. Many studies are flawed, yet the same theories keep getting pushed.
  2. Public trust in science is declining, partly because people see failures in mainstream research. People need to question and hold science accountable instead of just believing it blindly.
  3. Scientific institutions must work harder to self-correct and ensure quality in research. If they don't, they risk losing more trust and could make it easier for anti-science forces to gain influence.

Elon Musk Is Livestreaming Himself Playing A Videogame, Except It’s The Federal Budget

951 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Federal Budget Public Policy Elon Musk Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's influence over government is unusual, as he now runs an advisory group that has access to sensitive federal information, raising concerns about accountability.
  2. Musk's interest in video games reflects a larger trend of how gaming and streaming create addictive experiences, blending personal achievement with social interaction.
  3. DOGE, the group Musk leads, is actively cutting government contracts, particularly focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives, which sparks both support and criticism from his followers.

You Can’t Pseudoscience (Or Even Science) Your Way Out Of A Genuine Trans Rights Debate

1480 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Laws Rights Trans issues Debate Science
  1. There's a big debate about defining sex, and it's not as simple as just male and female. Many scientists think there are more factors involved than just what you're born with.
  2. Trump's executive order on sex has stirred up a lot of controversy and confusion. Some people believe it doesn’t recognize the complexity of gender identity and can negatively affect many trans and nonbinary individuals.
  3. Discussions about gender and sex can get really tangled. It's important to clarify definitions and separate scientific facts from political opinions to have a more honest conversation.
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Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education Legal issues Public Policy Social justice
  1. Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
  2. Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
  3. Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

I Wish Trump Supporters Would Just Throw Us The Occasional Bone Over The Next Few Years

660 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Trump administration Election Analysis Government Policies Cultural Issues
  1. There is a strong divide between Trump supporters and those who oppose him, and it seems difficult to bridge that gap. Many people feel uneasy about the extreme loyalty Trump receives from his supporters.
  2. Unlike how critics discuss Biden and Harris, Trump's actions and comments often go without much criticism from his supporters, who tend to protect him more fiercely.
  3. Trump's blame for recent incidents on diversity requirements reflects his ongoing opposition to DEI initiatives, which some believe can overshadow genuine discussions about hiring practices. It's a complex conversation that needs clarity.

Yale’s “Integrity Project” Is Spreading Misinformation About The Cass Review And Youth Gender Medicine: Part 3

1453 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Health Clinical Research
  1. Yale's Integrity Project has been criticized for spreading misinformation about youth gender medicine and the Cass Review. Many argue that their claims are not based on solid evidence.
  2. Critics of the Integrity Project highlight that their arguments often lack proper context or are misleading. They suggest that the project's authors are prioritizing a legal narrative over accurate scientific discourse.
  3. The debate around gender medicine for youth is complicated and filled with differing opinions. It's important to critically evaluate sources and claims to understand the real effects of treatments like puberty blockers.

You Can’t Write Vague And Censorship-Friendly Editorial Guidelines And Then Pretend They Won’t Apply In The Real World

856 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Censorship Research Policy Ethics Education
  1. Vague editorial guidelines can lead to serious issues in real-life situations. It's important to have clear and specific rules to avoid confusion and misapplication.
  2. Censorship in the sciences is a topic that many people are discussing. There are different viewpoints on how to balance respect for human dignity with academic freedom.
  3. It's essential to protect published research from being altered or withdrawn unjustly. Making changes for social justice reasons can lead to more harm than good in the scientific community.

Did I Publish The Private Medical Records Of Transgender Children?

2241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Transgender Issues Medical Ethics Activism Misinformation
  1. People are spreading false rumors about someone publishing private medical records of trans minors. This rumor seems to stem from misunderstandings and exaggerations about what was actually reported.
  2. It's important to approach such topics carefully, as misinformation can lead to harmful consequences for individuals and communities. Claims need careful examination before being believed.
  3. The online environment can intensify these rumors, causing real-world effects and fears for those involved, highlighting the need for accountability in how information is shared and discussed.

I Have So Many Questions About This Completely Bat-Infested New Hampshire Elementary School

814 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
😂 Humor Local news
  1. A New Hampshire elementary school has a huge bat problem, with hundreds of bats hiding in the building. This raises concerns about what it's like for students to know bats are around them as they learn.
  2. The school has dealt with bats for decades, and stories from former students show that this issue is not new. It makes you wonder how many bat encounters have happened over the years.
  3. There could be unexpected positive experiences for students befriending bats, creating unique stories. Imagine a kid bonding with a lost bat in the bathroom, turning a creepy situation into a friendship.

We Obviously Shouldn’t Ignore Left-Wing Online Radicalization

830 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Radicalization Public Opinion Social media Political violence Research
  1. Left-wing online radicalization is a growing concern and shouldn't be overlooked. We need to pay attention to how these ideas spread online.
  2. Social media can create echo chambers where certain beliefs are heavily reinforced. This can lead people to think their supportive views are more popular than they actually are.
  3. Recent research indicates that younger people may support controversial figures more than older generations. This highlights a shift in perspectives that could shape future political discussions.

We Are Losers

3790 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political movement Election Analysis Voter Behavior Campaign Strategy Political Commentary
  1. The anti-Trump movement is not working as it should; many think it needs a complete overhaul. People involved have gotten too caught up in their own beliefs and are not effectively addressing voters' real concerns.
  2. Despite being passionate against Trump, many in this movement are losing sight of what truly matters to average voters. They may feel strongly about their views, but those feelings are not resonating with most Americans.
  3. Instead of focusing on who to blame for their failures, the anti-Trump movement should rethink their approach. They need to attract more realistic and relatable voices to have a better chance at winning in the future.

What The Detransitioner Clementine Breen’s Gender “Therapy” Looked Like

1083 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Mental health Activism Medical Ethics Trans rights
  1. Clementine Breen, a UCLA student, is suing her doctor for care she received during her transition. She feels that the treatments led her to regret her decisions.
  2. Breen's therapy involved close connections between her therapist and the medical staff, which raises concerns about impartiality. This makes it important to have independent support in such sensitive situations.
  3. There were signs that Breen's gender identity questions came about due to recent family trauma, suggesting that therapists should explore underlying issues before making treatment decisions.

Congratulations On Your Independent, Alternative Media, You Disgruntled Consumers

1263 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Consumer Protection Political Commentary Financial Institutions Public Discourse
  1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is meant to protect consumers from unfair practices by financial institutions. It focuses on preventing issues like misleading loans and discrimination.
  2. Marc Andreessen made false claims about the CFPB, saying it helps banks to 'debank' individuals based on their political views. In reality, the CFPB actually fights against discrimination and debanking.
  3. Joe Rogan often doesn't push back on controversial claims made by his guests, which can lead to misinformation being spread without proper fact-checking.

Read My Story About A Major Detransition Lawsuit In The Economist

1110 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Legal Cases Health care
  1. A significant lawsuit has been filed against a youth gender clinic in the U.S. that raises questions about their medical practices.
  2. The lawsuit involves a former patient who received hormone treatments and surgery at a young age, claiming insufficient care before these procedures.
  3. The case highlights the debate around medical gatekeeping in youth gender medicine, with contrasting views on the need for psychological assessments.

Cooper Flagg Should Sue The Guardian For Premeditated Offense Archaeology

761 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Media Criticism Culture Athletes
  1. Cooper Flagg is a talented basketball player heading to the NBA draft, which is notable since American-born white players are rare at that level. This makes him a subject of unique interest.
  2. The article about him tries to link his potential impact on basketball to another player, Caitlin Clark, but fails to explain why he is considered 'discourse-breaking'.
  3. The writer seems to be digging for offense in the article where there may not be much, raising questions about the need to politicize college basketball through Flagg's story.

What If Liberals Have Agency?

1184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Conservatism Cultural Issues Higher education
  1. Liberals often think they are just trying to make the world better, but they also have power and responsibility in how they run institutions. It's important for them to recognize their agency.
  2. The backlash against liberal policies often comes not just from conservative anger, but from real issues within liberal organizations. Ignoring these internal problems can lead to further dysfunction.
  3. In education, the push for diversity and political views can overshadow traditional values and fairness. This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with institutions like universities.

What Happened When I Asked Michael Shellenberger To Defend His Journalism

1628 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Election Law Public Discourse Censorship
  1. Michael Shellenberger, known for his views on free speech, called for the government to revoke NBC's broadcasting license, which raises questions about his journalistic integrity.
  2. His claims about NBC breaking election laws were based on misinterpretations and lacked solid evidence, showing a drift into conspiracy thinking.
  3. The situation highlights how personal politics can distort professional standards, making it hard to trust someone's reporting if they confuse facts and emotions.

I Highly Recommend Adam Jentleson’s Critique Of Adam Jentleson

1326 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Public Opinion Activism
  1. Democrats need to focus on building a strong voting base to make a comeback in elections. They should aim for clear and ambitious electoral goals, like winning a large number of electoral votes.
  2. Interest groups can sometimes hurt the Democrats by pushing narrow agendas. Democrats should find a balance between supporting important causes and appealing to a wider audience.
  3. Political opinions and strategies can change over time. As the political landscape shifts, some politicians may backtrack on their earlier views to stay relevant, which can be frustrating for those who held steadfast positions.

Are Trump Voters Misinformed, Or Were Harris Voters Just Not Given A Chance To Be Misinformed?

1147 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Surveys Voter Behavior Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. Some surveys might show that Trump voters are more misinformed than Harris voters, but this could be due to bias in the questions asked.
  2. Americans often answer political questions based on feelings or general ideas rather than specific facts, so misinformation can come from both sides.
  3. The way questions are framed can lead to results that unfairly label one group as less informed than the other, proving we need balanced questions for fair evaluation.

Michael Shellenberger Mixed Up Two Guys With Sorta Similar Names And Falsely Told His Readers — And Congress — One Of Them Might Be A Spy As A Result

1046 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Censorship Misinformation
  1. Michael Shellenberger mistakenly mixed up two people with similar names, leading to false claims about one of them possibly being a spy. This is a serious error for a journalist.
  2. Critics have pointed out that Shellenberger has often published misleading information about people he disagrees with politically, which raises questions about his journalistic standards.
  3. After realizing the mistake, Shellenberger corrected the information but did not make a big announcement about the error, which is concerning for public trust in his work.

My Brain Is Fried — Let’s Do A Quick Singal-Minded Exclusive Ask Me Anything RIGHT NOW

359 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Health Media Analysis Social Policy
  1. The author is working on two important pieces of writing related to youth gender medicine, which are coming soon.
  2. There's a concern about misinformation spreading in this field, especially regarding a response to a review on youth gender medicine.
  3. Despite feeling overwhelmed, the author is open to answering questions for a short time through an Ask Me Anything session.

Please Don’t Spread Bizarre Conspiracies About Undocumented Immigrants

808 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Conspiracy Public Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. Don't share strange conspiracy theories about immigration. They can create unnecessary fear and confusion in communities.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind immigration can help clarify the situation. Many immigrants are fleeing bad conditions in their home countries.
  3. It's important for journalists to be responsible when writing about sensitive topics like immigration. Spreading unverified claims can fuel harmful narratives.

The Obligatory Pre-Election Newsletter

629 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting Rights Media influence Political Commentary
  1. Voting is important for democracy and should not be taken for granted. It's a privilege that helps shape the future and should be viewed as a responsibility.
  2. Mainstream media can misinterpret or misreport statements, especially from influential figures like Trump, which can create confusion among voters. Proper context is essential for understanding political discussions.
  3. The Democratic Party needs to reflect on its strategies and communication regarding Trump. To effectively convince the public, they should consider new approaches instead of repeating past tactics.

It’s Rational And Humane To Lack Strong Political Beliefs

724 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Beliefs Social media Emotional Health Cultural critique
  1. It's okay to not have strong political beliefs. Beliefs can be complicated, and it's normal to feel uncertain about many issues.
  2. Getting too emotional about every news story can be unhealthy. It's better to approach complex situations with a level head instead of distress.
  3. Having a few things you care about deeply is more sustainable than feeling pressured to take a strong stand on everything. Focus on what really matters to you.

Dogmatism Is A Bigger Problem Than Religion, I Think, Maybe, Possibly

428 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Morality
  1. Dogmatism can be a bigger issue than religion. It's not just beliefs that cause harm, but the stubbornness to hold onto those beliefs.
  2. Both religious and secular ideologies have led to terrible events in history. It's important to see that these problems aren't limited to just one belief system.
  3. A more complex view of faith and rationality is needed. It's not always clear that less religion will automatically make the world better.

Bret Weinstein Sure Has A Lot Of Theories

1950 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Media influence Public Figures Ethics Health Misinformation
  1. Bret Weinstein has been promoting conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs, misleading his audience and spreading misinformation.
  2. Weinstein irresponsibly suggested a link between Kary Mullis's death, Anthony Fauci criticism, and Covid policies, without evidence.
  3. Weinstein tends to make inflammatory insinuations and vague claims, aiming to appeal to conspiracy-minded individuals and fuel their fears.

If You Can’t See That Adam Rubenstein Was Treated Unfairly, You’re Being A Jerk

1268 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Opinion Ethics Bias
  1. Adam Rubenstein was treated unfairly in his journalistic career due to misinformation spread by his own colleagues.
  2. The incident involving Rubenstein's sandwich preference was used as a focal point to smear him professionally, showcasing a lack of empathy and journalistic integrity in some of his peers.
  3. The response from certain journalists highlights a lack of reflection and remorse in the industry, pointing to broader issues concerning truth and fair reporting in journalism.

Andrea Long Chu’s ‘New York’ Cover Story About Trans Kids Is, Above All Else, Lazy

941 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Journalism Medicine
  1. The article discussed critiques about a cover story on trans kids, emphasizing that the argument for everyone to have access to sex-changing medical care was poorly defended and seemed more like trolling than meaningful discourse.
  2. There was criticism of the way the coverage of youth gender medicine was framed as a rights versus medical issue, highlighting that minors' decision-making capacities are different from adults and need to be considered.
  3. The piece also highlighted how the author viewed the anti-trans movement, pointing out that, according to them, the biggest opposition surprisingly came from liberals rather than the expected groups.

‘Woke Kindergarten’ Is Capitalism At Work

972 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Education Capitalism School funding
  1. An elementary school in Hayward, CA spent $250,000 on Woke Kindergarten, a for-profit company, to address student achievement issues.
  2. Despite the investment, student achievement at Glassbrook Elementary has fallen, highlighting the vulnerability of the students and the urgency of quality education.
  3. The situation underscores the capitalistic nature of the educational system, even when initiatives claim to be against capitalism.

Of Course DEI Programming Should Be Seen As Psychological Interventions And Held To The Appropriate Standards

1728 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Diversity Psychology Standards Workplace Interventions
  1. Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are facing challenges and skepticism.
  2. DEI interventions should be seen as psychological interventions and held to appropriate standards to ensure they do not cause harm.
  3. There is a lack of formal and rigorous evaluation of DEI programs, which hinders the ability to determine their effectiveness.

Why So Many People Told Me To Kill Myself This Weekend

1644 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📰 News Online Harassment Journalism Podcasts Social media Ethics
  1. The author received harsh and disturbing responses online, including calls to kill themselves, after tweeting about an issue they disagreed with.
  2. There was a situation where a podcast misinterpreted and misrepresented a doctor's recommendation regarding hormone treatment for a transgender individual, leading to a Twitter controversy.
  3. The author faced escalating online harassment and suicide-baiting from certain individuals and their followers, highlighting the toxic nature of social media interactions.

Temporary Celibacy As Avoidance

708 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. People tend to rush to extremes when faced with complicated situations, particularly when they are young.
  2. Open communication and understanding are crucial in dealing with distress, especially in family dynamics.
  3. Some individuals may resort to avoidance as a coping mechanism in situations where communication and negotiation are needed.

I'm Writing Another Book

771 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author is writing a book about the youth gender medicine debate in the US
  2. The book will include interviews with various stakeholders such as trans activists, detransitioners, clinicians, and parents
  3. Interested individuals can contact the author to share their stories or perspectives on the subject

Do You Want Alex Joneses? Because That’s How You Get Alex Joneses

1623 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Youth Gender Medicine Medical Research Misinformation
  1. The American Medical Association and Endocrine Society's statement on youth gender medicine is filled with misinformation and non sequiturs.
  2. There are concerns about the lack of rigorous research supporting the use of puberty blockers in youth gender medicine.
  3. Major medical organizations have been criticized for spreading misinformation on sensitive and politicized topics, leading to questions about their trustworthiness.