Unsafe Science

Unsafe Science explores the intersection of social science and skepticism, examining controversial topics, censorship, the role of political ideologies in academic fields, and the impact of these factors on scientific integrity and social attitudes. It critically assesses trends towards authoritarianism in academia, the influence of tribalism, and the challenges facing academic freedom and meritocracy.

Censorship and Free Speech Political Ideologies in Academia Academic Freedom Social Psychology Meritocracy in Science Gender and Racial Dynamics Authoritarianism Evolutionary Psychology Ethical Considerations in Research Diversity and Inclusion in Academia

The hottest Substack posts of Unsafe Science

And their main takeaways

REVERSAL: Science Faculty's "Subtle" Gender Biases Against Men

9 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🔬 Science Gender bias Research Ethics Scientific Method Social Issues
  1. A study found that there might be a subtle gender bias against men in science faculties. This is a surprising shift from what people usually think about gender bias.
  2. This finding goes against an influential earlier study that suggested biases favored women instead. It's important to keep checking our assumptions.
  3. The research highlights the need to understand all kinds of biases in academic environments. Both men and women can face challenges based on gender, and we need to address this fairly.

Academic Freedom from Ideological Capture

152 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom Education reform Government intervention
  1. Academic freedom is important, but it can be abused. When schools prioritize activism over real studies, it's a problem that might need government attention.
  2. Sociology as a field can sometimes have a strong ideological bias, making it hard to find diverse viewpoints. This bias can lead to flawed research being accepted simply because it fits a certain narrative.
  3. There are examples from other countries, like Denmark, where reform was needed in sociology. It shows that sometimes departments may need a fresh start to ensure they focus on hard facts and quality research.

NIH Staff Revolt Promotes Propaganda about Diversity

91 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Ethics Peer Review Social Science Policy Analysis
  1. Some NIH staff signed a declaration to object to Trump administration policies, especially regarding diversity in research funding. They believe these policies hurt scientific progress.
  2. The declaration claims that diverse research teams are essential for better outcomes. However, this claim has faced criticism for lacking strong evidence.
  3. Critics argue that many signatories may not be qualified to comment on social science issues since their expertise is primarily in STEM fields, which could undermine the credibility of their statements.

What Rodeo can Teach Academia

39 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Academia Learning methods Student Engagement
  1. Academia should encourage taking intellectual risks instead of being overly cautious. It's important for students to be bold in their ideas and learning.
  2. The responsibility to avoid harm should fall on individuals rather than institutions. Everyone should take personal accountability for their actions in academic settings.
  3. Adopting a rodeo mentality could improve the learning atmosphere in academia. This mindset helps foster resilience and creativity among students.

We Tried to Warn You

739 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Political Bias Social justice Conservatism
  1. Academia has faced significant challenges due to its left-leaning politicization. This could lead to a backlash against academic institutions and funding.
  2. Dissident academics have been warning about the danger of mixing politics with education for many years. Ignoring these warnings has resulted in serious issues within academia.
  3. There is a growing divide and polarization between academics and political figures, which may weaken the credibility and influence of academic work.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The last four years were the most repressive of my lifetime

907 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Cancel Culture Political Ideologies Higher education Social movements
  1. Over the last few years, many people have felt pressured to censor themselves due to fear of backlash from others. This fear often came from their peers, rather than any single leader or group.
  2. The culture of intolerance has created an environment where speaking out against popular opinions can lead to serious personal and professional consequences, making many people afraid to express their true thoughts.
  3. This situation has led to what some term a 'spiral of silence,' where the majority of people feel they can't speak up because they believe they are alone in their views, even when they actually share those views with many others.

Trump's DeWokification of America has Begun

259 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Changes Political strategy Civil Rights Diversity Issues Trump administration
  1. There's a big push to remove DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs from the federal government. This is seen as a reaction to how these programs have been viewed by some as unfair.
  2. Many people believe that DEI efforts have made certain groups feel alienated. This includes people who see these policies as discriminating against them.
  3. The new executive order doesn't ban all DEI efforts, but it does make sure federal money won't support them unless they comply with anti-discrimination laws.

Why Was This Groundbreaking Study on DEI Silenced?

348 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Equity Inclusion Media Research Policy
  1. A recent study showed that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs might increase hostility and promote extreme views instead of helping people be more understanding. This is concerning because these programs are widely used in schools and workplaces.
  2. Major media outlets like The New York Times and Bloomberg chose not to report on this study, which raises questions about their independence and if they are protecting certain narratives instead of sharing important information.
  3. The findings of the study suggest that DEI trainings can lead to misunderstandings and foster negative attitudes towards others, rather than solving issues of bias and inequality.

Academic Apocalypse?

146 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Grants Policy Academia Funding
  1. The NIH is cutting grant overhead from 50% or more down to 15%, which could deeply impact research funding. This change has caused a lot of concern among scientists about how it might hurt innovation in the U.S.
  2. Many academics fear that these cuts to indirect costs are a threat to vital research programs. Since a lot of university funding relies on these indirect costs, losing them could lead to fewer jobs and less support for important studies.
  3. Despite the worries, there is a possibility that reducing indirect costs could free up more money for actual research projects. This change could lead to a rethinking of spending priorities, focusing more on direct scientific work.

Trump, Science, and Academia

116 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Science Policy Academia Health Policy Executive orders
  1. RFK Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy, even if he has a strong background in environmental law.
  2. Trump's approach to academia, including the emphasis on reducing DEI programs and fighting anti-Semitism, aims to shift the focus back to equal treatment in federal funding and policy, potentially impacting diversity efforts in education.
  3. The pause in federal grants and the disappearing of some scientific data have caused concern about access to information and funding in academia, highlighting the ongoing battle over scientific governance.

~75% of Psychology Claims are False

161 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Research Methods Replication Crisis Censorship
  1. A lot of psychology studies are not reliable, with about 75% of their claims likely being false. So, it's best to be skeptical of what you read in this field.
  2. Many published psychology findings are difficult to reproduce. This means that even though a study shows something, there's a good chance it might not be true when tried again.
  3. Censorship and ignoring opposing evidence can lead to more misinformation in psychology. Some studies get more attention even when their findings are wrong or contested.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Public Policy Political Science Civics Political theory
  1. Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
  2. Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
  3. A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

How Dare They Not Denounce Me as a Racist!

122 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Social Science Free speech
  1. Critics of microaggression research often face accusations of racism, which can stifle scientific discussion. It's important for science to allow critical evaluation without labeling dissenters negatively.
  2. Many claims about microaggressions lack strong scientific backing. Researchers have not effectively shown that microaggressions are widespread, harmful, or caused by racism.
  3. The current approach to discussing microaggressions may threaten free speech and genuine academic inquiry. It's essential to keep an open mind and question research claims for a healthy scientific environment.

The Discrimination Paradox

91 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Discrimination Race Issues Social justice Research Methodology
  1. People can experience discrimination even if it happens very rarely. For example, studies show that something like 36% more callbacks were given to White job applicants compared to Black ones, even though only a small number of actual discriminatory acts occurred.
  2. There are different ways to look at discrimination: one way focuses on how often discrimination happens in actions, and another looks at the overall impact on people's experiences. This can make it seem like there are contradictions in findings about discrimination.
  3. Small amounts of discrimination can still have a big effect, especially in competitive situations. Even if discrimination happens infrequently, it can lead to significant problems for those affected, such as fewer job opportunities.

Burn Academia Down?

45 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Academia Censorship Science Conferences Critical Theory
  1. There are concerns about censorship in academia that need to be addressed. People should be able to share and discuss ideas freely without fear of being shut down.
  2. Some believe that the current academic system is failing and might require a complete overhaul. It's suggested that starting fresh could lead to better ideas and practices.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives can enhance the learning experience. Encouraging different viewpoints can help improve critical thinking and innovation.

Psychology Findings You Can Bank On

54 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🔬 Science Psychology Research Social Sciences Empirical Studies Cognitive Science
  1. Psychological research has produced valuable insights that can enhance our understanding of human behavior. It's important to pay attention to these findings.
  2. Some claims made in the social sciences are questionable and need to be critically evaluated. Not everything that is published is reliable.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the quality of psychological studies, so it's good to be skeptical and look for well-supported evidence.

Report to House Committee on Antisemitism at Rutgers

54 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Antisemitism
  1. Rutgers University has faced criticism for how it handled incidents of antisemitism on campus. Many students involved in protests or acts of hate faced little to no punishment.
  2. In contrast, some Jewish students were disciplined for speaking out against antisemitism. This raised concerns about fairness and protection for all students on campus.
  3. The report highlights specific cases where Rutgers seemed to protect those who promoted violence or hate while punishing those who raised concerns about it. This has sparked significant debate about campus safety and free speech.

The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon: DSM 666

48 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Academia Sociology Research Bias
  1. The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon introduces new words to highlight biases and issues in psychology and academia. It aims to make these concepts clearer and more accessible.
  2. This resource shows how language can shape our understanding of societal problems. By using specific terms, it helps pinpoint dysfunctions within various fields.
  3. Overall, the Orwelexicon encourages critical thinking about psychology and social science. It invites people to reflect on how words influence perceptions and beliefs.

Microaggressions: A Chapter from The Mean Girl Handbook

122 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Psychology Communication Society Education
  1. Microaggressions are everyday verbal or nonverbal behaviors that can communicate negative messages to marginalized groups.
  2. Microaggression training sessions focus on self-reflection and awareness of subtle behaviors in workplace interactions.
  3. Women are more likely to engage in relational aggression, which involves gossiping and social exclusion.

We Brought Down the House

134 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Corruption Antisemitism
  1. Reported on how foreign funding impacts political corruption in American institutions of higher education
  2. Highlighted how speech intolerance and antisemitism are associated with funding from foreign regimes in universities
  3. Influence from external actors on university campuses led to a lack of accountability in protecting free speech and academic freedom

Who Agrees with Hitler?

223 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideology Academia Activism Partisanship
  1. The study found that people were more likely to agree with negative statements when they were about white people compared to other racial groups.
  2. Political affiliation influenced the level of agreement with negative statements, with liberals showing higher agreement with anti-white sentiments.
  3. The research highlighted how tribalism and prejudice can influence attitudes towards different demographic groups.

The Current State of Social Psychology

171 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🔬 Science Psychology Research Social Culture Activism
  1. Social psychology sheds light on human nature and behaviors through research by prominent figures.
  2. The current state of social psychology is threatened by close-minded social activism that hinders open debate and research.
  3. There is a concern that the discipline may become irrelevant if trends towards censorship and ideological control continue.

If Diverse Scholars Produce Better Research, Judging Research on its Merits Will Enhance Diversity

106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🚌 Education Research Diversity Equity Conferences Politics
  1. Judging research based on its merits is more important than evaluating diversity of authors for enhancing research quality.
  2. Including diversity and equity criteria in research evaluation may lead to controversial subjective judgments.
  3. Scientific societies like SREE can face challenges when balancing scientific goals with political ideologies.

Scientists Censoring Science

97 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🔬 Science Censorship Academic Freedom Peer Review Research Ethics
  1. Censorship isn't just government-based, but also exists in various forms like corporate agreements and book bans.
  2. Rejection in science for not meeting standards isn't censorship - it's a common part of the scientific process.
  3. There is a rising trend of scientists facing punishment for their speech, leading to self-censorship and threats to academic freedom.

The Censorious Society for Personality and Social Psychology

76 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🔬 Science Social Psychology Academic standards Censorship
  1. At the Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference, a poster was removed for discussing Muslim support for terrorism, sparking censorship accusations.
  2. The removal of the poster led to debates on the justification for retraction, with criticisms on lack of scientific grounds and biases.
  3. While there were complaints about the removed poster, another poster lacking scientific content faced no consequences, raising questions about inconsistent standards.

Does Psychological Science Need Science or Bullshit?

97 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. The paper discusses the use of empty verbiage and fuzzy buzzwords in scientific writing.
  2. The author points out the importance of empirical evidence over references to support claims in psychological science.
  3. Assertions in research papers should be substantiated with empirical studies and avoid vague, unsupported claims.

Some Sex Differences are More Problematic than Others

125 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🔬 Science Gender Studies Social Psychology Gender disparities
  1. Efforts to address sex disparities in occupational representation focus more on male-dominated jobs, while issues in female-dominated jobs receive less attention.
  2. Participants, especially women, view male-dominated jobs as more problematic due to perceived sexism/discrimination, regardless of job status or pay.
  3. Perceptions of the causes of gender gaps influence how problematic they are perceived to be, with attributions to sexism/discrimination making the gaps more concerning.

The Anti-American Psychological Association

134 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Psychology Critical Theory Social justice Civil Rights
  1. The APA has shifted towards Critical Social Justice, moving away from traditional social justice principles.
  2. Critical Theory aims to dismantle western society through attacking societal components like education, media, and religion.
  3. Psychological practice should focus on individual dignity and value, rejecting radical political ideologies that deny universal humanity.

Left-Wing Authoritarians are Averse to Masculine Looking Men

137 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🔬 Science Evolutionary Psychology Behavioral Science Personality Traits Research Studies
  1. Left-wing authoritarians are averse to masculine-looking men.
  2. Masculinized men can be perceived as threatening by left-wing authoritarians due to their physical advantages in conflict.
  3. Evolutionary history influences how people make judgments about others based on appearance, impacting social interactions and group dynamics.

Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Conduct

27 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Hate Speech University Policy
  1. Where should the line between protected and unprotected speech on campus ought to be? There's a need to distinguish between speech used to discuss ideas and that which could incite harm.
  2. At American universities, the 'speech turning to conduct' standard is crucial. This hinges on determining when certain speech evolves into behavior that violates codes of conduct.
  3. Policies on speech restrictions at universities need to be clear, consistent, and applicable to all groups. Ambiguity and inconsistency can lead to confusion and potential biases.