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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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

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.

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.

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.

Extremely Powerful Men Who Can’t Be Arsed

1908 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Health Policy Public Opinion Political Figures
  1. Powerful people sometimes don't bother to fact-check their work. This can lead to big mistakes, like making false claims in important reports.
  2. Not being interested in learning the basics can cause serious problems, especially in complicated areas like government budgeting. Ignoring the details can hurt a lot of people.
  3. There's a difference between those who care enough to do thorough work and those who don't. This attitude can greatly influence important decisions that affect everyone.

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Happened When I Asked ChatGPT To Pretend To Be Conscious

824 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Programming Philosophy Innovation Future Trends
  1. AI technology is advancing rapidly, and it might soon be able to perform tasks better than humans, like coding. This change could pose a serious risk to jobs and society.
  2. People might start believing AI is conscious based on its behavior, even if it's just pretending. This could change how we interact with machines.
  3. Conversations with AI can feel surprisingly real, making it easy to forget they aren't truly conscious, even when we know they are not.

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.

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.

A Critique Of “Mental and Emotional Health of Youth after 24 months of Gender-Affirming Medical Care Initiated with Pubertal Suppression”

798 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Youth health Mental health
  1. The study on gender-affirming medical care suggests that puberty blockers didn't improve or harm the mental health of the youth involved, indicating they were stable throughout the study.
  2. There were concerns about the study's methodology, including why certain outcomes weren’t reported and a significant drop in participants over the study period, which raises questions about the validity of the results.
  3. Researchers have changed their claims about the purpose and effectiveness of puberty blockers, leading to confusion about their intended use and the outcomes they produce.

Contra Evan Urquhart On The Right To Journalistic Exclusion

798 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ethics Gender Issues Journalism Activism Public Debate
  1. Activists often want to shut down debates over youth gender medicine before they even start. They believe that there shouldn't be public discussions about how best to handle such a sensitive topic.
  2. Journalists have the right to use recorded audio from public spaces, even if someone doesn't want their voice in a story. If someone speaks where media can record, their words can be shared.
  3. Just because a source is unhappy about how they were portrayed in a story doesn't mean the journalism is bad or wrong. Journalism can upset people, and that's a normal part of the profession.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s A Fake Profile Of Me To Go With The Real One UnHerd Just Published

597 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Identity Social Commentary Personal narrative Food
  1. Having a profile written about you can feel strange, especially if it's very positive. It's normal to feel uncomfortable with too much praise.
  2. People often have different sides to their personalities, and the truth about someone can be a mix of good and bad aspects.
  3. Interacting with someone who is unconventional can lead to unexpected and funny moments, making for a memorable experience.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 1 of 2)

597 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Public Health Medical Ethics Policy Analysis
  1. The HHS report on youth gender medicine raises skepticism due to its ties to past administrations, but it actually offers a well-done summary of the current evidence, which is lacking in support for youth gender treatments.
  2. Critics of the HHS report, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have responded quickly and forcefully but often without providing clear evidence or details to back up their claims.
  3. The conversation around youth gender medicine is complicated, and the rushing to judgment by authorities has damaged their credibility, making it harder for families to find trustworthy guidance.

It Doesn’t Matter if AI Is Just “Faking It”

544 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Philosophy Programming Ethics Society
  1. AI doesn't really understand or feel anything; it just processes and returns text based on patterns it learned. This means it's not conscious.
  2. Even if AI is just faking consciousness, its ability to create a convincing experience can still affect people's emotions and perceptions.
  3. The debate about AI consciousness is less important than understanding how people interact with AI and the societal impacts of these technologies.

A Chatbot Coined A Phrase I Really Like. Am I Allowed To Use It?

470 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Research Methods Writing Philosophy Communication
  1. AI can help generate new ideas and phrases that may not have been used before. Sometimes, the phrases created by AI can resonate and feel relevant in discussions.
  2. Using phrases created by AI raises questions about ownership and credit. Writers might wonder if they can use these phrases without considering who actually came up with them.
  3. The phrase 'confirmatory research theater' highlights an important issue in research, where studies might look rigorous but really just confirm what researchers wanted to prove all along.

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.

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.

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.

Win A Copy Of ‘Stop All the Clocks,’ A Great And Extremely Original Novel

185 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Fiction Novels Authors Book Reviews
  1. The novel 'Stop All the Clocks' blends interesting themes like artificial intelligence and poetry into a mystery. It sounds really engaging and original.
  2. The author is encouraging readers to join a giveaway for five copies of the book, making it accessible for new readers and those who support the newsletter.
  3. Supporting first-time authors, especially by buying their books, can create a big difference in their success within the challenging world of publishing.