The hottest Misinformation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

If It's Worth Your Time To Lie, It's Worth My Time To Correct It

Astral Codex Ten • 33931 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Misinformation Social Issues Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. If someone lies to make their argument stronger, it's important to correct that lie. Even small lies can add up over time and change the conversation.
  2. Correcting false statements can be seen as nitpicking, but it's essential to reset the truth. Allowing exaggerations or false claims can lead to more extreme misconceptions.
  3. It's okay to be kind when correcting others, but we should not shy away from addressing inaccuracies just because it might seem uncomfortable.

How To Know Who To Trust, Potomac Plane Crash Edition

Singal-Minded • 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.

The Most Devastating Report So Far

COVID Reason • 1031 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government Policy Vaccination Misinformation Social Impact
  1. The government spent nearly $1 billion to promote misleading information about COVID vaccines and masks. This kind of spending could seriously hurt a private company if they did the same.
  2. The PR campaign exaggerated the dangers of COVID and claimed vaccines were very effective, even saying they stopped transmission. This created a loss of trust when real-life results showed otherwise.
  3. The ads scared parents into thinking there were strict health rules for schools unless their kids got vaccinated and masked up. Many of the risks of the vaccines were not properly discussed, leading to confusion.

Twitter and Content Moderation

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

CBS News Misinforms the Public on Pertussis Vaccination Policy: Dr. Lyons-Weiler Issues a Call for Retraction

Popular Rationalism • 970 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease Control Misinformation
  1. The CBS News report about whooping cough vaccines contained misinformation, suggesting adults need a booster every ten years for pertussis. This is misleading because the CDC does not recommend regular boosters for pertussis.
  2. The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine decreases significantly within a few years, meaning people can still get infected and spread the disease even after vaccination. This poses risks, especially to infants who are not fully vaccinated.
  3. The vaccine does not provide herd immunity, making it difficult to rely on vaccinated adults to protect vulnerable groups. The public should be educated about the limitations of the vaccine and the risks of asymptomatic carriers.
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There Are No Alternative Facts: Some Rules For Discerning Reality In This Hallucinogenic Hellscape of Misinformation

Welcome to Garbagetown • 1111 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Critical Thinking Media influence Political culture Public Discourse
  1. Misinformation can feel so real that it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It's important to recognize that not everything we hear is actually true.
  2. When evaluating bizarre claims, a good question to ask is if believing them would make life much easier or more exciting. If so, it's likely not true and just ridiculous.
  3. People may strongly believe in outrageous ideas and act seriously on them, but we should remain critical and cautious about what we accept as reality.

Welcome To The Fauci/Pfizer Matrix: COVID Vaccines Directly Cause Long-Lasting Side Effects, Per New Study

Unmasked • 92 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Misinformation Policy Analysis COVID-19
  1. There was a lot of misinformation about COVID vaccines when they came out. Experts made claims that were not supported by facts, leading to confusion about their effectiveness.
  2. Key figures like Dr. Fauci and Rochelle Walensky made statements that turned out to be incorrect, which worsened public trust and guided harmful policies.
  3. Recent research suggests that the long-term side effects of vaccines are more significant than previously acknowledged, highlighting ongoing issues around vaccine communication and transparency.

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 1

COVID Reason • 1050 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Control Misinformation Crisis Management
  1. Chaos and confusion can be more powerful than a virus. When people are confused, they struggle to find the truth.
  2. Control is the real goal, not just dealing with the virus itself. Keeping people afraid and divided helps maintain that control.
  3. History shows us that fear can tear communities apart. Encouraging suspicion between neighbors can lead to a lot of conflict and chaos.

The True Power of AI Deepfakes Is Not What You Think

The Algorithmic Bridge • 700 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Deepfakes Media Misinformation Digital ethics
  1. Deepfakes are good at expressing feelings, not just deceiving people. They often illustrate what we want to believe rather than just hiding the truth.
  2. People react to deepfakes based on their existing beliefs. If a fake aligns with what they already think, it can spread quickly, regardless of whether it's real or not.
  3. The real danger of deepfakes lies in how they can reinforce stubborn beliefs. They act as tools for expressing desires rather than just tools for deception.

Save Democracy From Informed Voters: Vote Censorship!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7116 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media influence Misinformation Public Discourse
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.

Did I Publish The Private Medical Records Of Transgender Children?

Singal-Minded • 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.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

The rise and fall of "fact-checking"

Silver Bulletin • 824 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Misinformation Fact-checking Political Bias Social media
  1. Facebook is getting rid of fact-checkers because they were seen as biased. They will be replaced with a community notes system, letting users help decide what is true.
  2. Fact-checking has always been part of journalism, but it became a separate role after the 2016 election. Many thought it was necessary to fight misinformation, but it also created trust issues.
  3. There are concerns that community-driven fact-checking might not work well on a large platform like Facebook. The idea is that everyone should be checking facts, not just a few designated people.

It's Time To Stop Blaming Misinformation for Cynicism and Mistrust

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4072 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Public Trust Social media Partisanship
  1. Misinformation doesn't change people's minds as much as we think. Most people don't consume or believe it that much.
  2. The ones who share misinformation are often driven by strong political beliefs, not ignorance. They want to support their views against the opposing party.
  3. Fighting misinformation online might not help restore trust in institutions. Instead, we should focus on the deeper reasons why people lose faith in them.

Musk uses megaphone to promote misleading claims about voting, push for severe restrictions

Popular Information • 13994 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Election security Misinformation
  1. Elon Musk has been spreading false and misleading claims about voting, advocating for severe restrictions like eliminating early voting and mail-in ballots.
  2. Musk's opinions on non-citizen voting and mail-in ballots are not supported by facts or studies on election fraud and security.
  3. Claims by Musk promoting Voter ID requirements as a way to enhance election security overlook the barriers such requirements pose, especially for marginalized communities.

We've Lost the Ability to See Reality

Webworm with David Farrier • 11301 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Reality Perception Misinformation
  1. With the rise of AI-generated content and misinformation, we are losing the ability to distinguish reality from fiction on social media.
  2. Our online experiences are increasingly filled with unrealistic and manipulated images and stories that shape our perceptions.
  3. There is a growing concern that the blurred lines between reality and non-reality online are impacting important real-world decisions and behaviors.

Expect a Firehose of Obamacare Misinformation From Bad Actors, Insurance Industry Operatives

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Policy Misinformation Legislation Elections
  1. There will be a lot of misinformation about Obamacare as the election approaches, particularly from bad actors and the insurance industry. It's important to stay informed about the truth.
  2. Obamacare has its supporters and critics, with Democrats generally praising it and Republicans trying to repeal it. Understanding both sides can help in making informed opinions.
  3. Many important protections for consumers are tied to Obamacare, like ensuring insurers cover everyone regardless of health. Recognizing these benefits is crucial in the debate over the law.

We Looked at 78 Election Deepfakes. Political Misinformation is not an AI Problem.

AI Snake Oil • 1171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Misinformation Media Studies AI Ethics
  1. Many uses of AI in political contexts aren't trying to deceive. In fact, about half of the deepfakes created in elections were used for legitimate purposes like enhancing campaigns or providing satire.
  2. Creating deceptive misinformation doesn't need AI. It can be done cheaply and easily with regular editing tools or even just by hiring people, meaning AI isn't the sole cause of these issues.
  3. The bigger problem isn’t the technology itself but the demand for misinformation. People’s preferences and existing beliefs drive them to seek out and accept false information, making structural changes more critical than just focusing on AI.

Republican Calculation: Don't Support Obama's Affordable Care Act

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Public Policy Misinformation Insurance Industry Bipartisanship
  1. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to help many people, especially those with preexisting conditions, get health insurance. However, there was a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding it from the start.
  2. Many Republicans initially rejected working with Democrats on the ACA, believing it would help them in future elections by framing it as a 'government takeover of health care.' This strategy worked, as Democrats faced significant losses in the following elections.
  3. Despite the ACA being based on ideas that once had bipartisan support, misinformation continued to spread, making it harder for people to understand its actual impact and benefits over the years.

Local news has invented another fake TikTok challenge

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3433 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Challenges Youth Misinformation
  1. Local news often creates fake stories about TikTok challenges that don't actually exist, causing unnecessary panic among parents.
  2. These false reports can lead to harmful legislation aimed at social media, ignoring the real issues kids face online.
  3. Misinformation about TikTok challenges highlights a gap in understanding between parents and their kids, making it harder to effectively address online safety.

The Long Awaited Debate Of Covid Science: A Team of Experts Rebut The Expert Opinions of BC's College of Physicians and Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 8254 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Misinformation
  1. Dr. Hoffe faced consequences for raising concerns about Covid vaccine safety and experienced backlash from the medical community.
  2. The College hired an expert who criticized Dr. Hoffe's statements on Covid, but Dr. Kory disputes the conclusions, pointing to evidence that the expert report was biased.
  3. Dr. Kory provided a detailed expert report defending Dr. Hoffe, highlighting the efficacy of ivermectin in preventing Covid and criticizing the disinformation tactics used to suppress this information.

Legacy Media Still Lying, Calls Atlas, Bhattacharya, Makary 'COVID Deniers'

Unmasked • 67 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism COVID Policy Public Health Political Accountability Misinformation
  1. Legacy media continues to blame others for their mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to acknowledge their own errors.
  2. There is a pattern of the elite using their influence to enforce unreasonable rules on the public, then blaming people for not following them.
  3. Articles in mainstream publications often contain misinformation and inaccuracies, causing frustration for those looking for truthful reporting.

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

Singal-Minded • 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.

Transcript - America This Week November 1, 2024: "The Celebrated New York Times Election Week Hit Job"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1347 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Political Analysis Political Commentary
  1. There is a collaboration between The New York Times and Media Matters that appears to target misinformation, especially around election content. Critics argue that this could influence public perception unfairly.
  2. Media Matters is described as an ideological group that aims to combat conservative misinformation, raising questions about its role as a source for mainstream news agencies.
  3. Concerns were raised about the timing of the article's release, just before the election, which some believe may affect the voting process and public understanding of the issues.

old media vs new model mockery

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Political Commentary Public Discourse Misinformation
  1. Old media often claims that only they can do real journalism and dismisses new media like bloggers and podcasters. They feel threatened as their traditional control on information is challenged.
  2. A recent interview showcased how traditional journalists might not fact-check properly, leading to humorous and embarrassing situations. This shows that not all media is trustworthy.
  3. Many stories shared by the media can create unnecessary fear and panic, especially during health crises. It's important to question the validity of these narratives and the reasons behind them.

Algorithms are making political speech more extreme

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3582 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Social media Algorithms Communication Misinformation
  1. Algorithms are changing how politicians speak. They now exaggerate and hyperbolize to get more likes and shares, which can lead to more extreme views.
  2. Social media has replaced traditional broadcasting, making it harder for politicians to reach their audience directly. Now, they must adapt their messages for platforms that promote viral content.
  3. Facial recognition technology is increasingly used by governments to track and suppress protesters. This makes it riskier for people to express dissent, as they can be easily identified and punished.

Violent Crime, Last Boys, Misinformation

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1439 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Misinformation Social Status Political polarization Media
  1. Many men are okay with marrying someone without a steady job, but most women prefer someone who is employed. Women seem to prioritize looks less than men do when it comes to choosing a partner.
  2. A lot of romantic relationships start as friendships, and these friendships often last for a few years before partners begin dating.
  3. Violent crime in the U.S. increased significantly between the late 1950s and late 1960s, doubling in just ten years.

"Nothing Will Fundamentally Change."

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health Policy Misinformation Debates
  1. RFK Jr. is being questioned about his ability to limit research on diseases and access to vaccines. His responses have been evasive and controversial.
  2. Democrats are very concerned about the impact of his misinformation on vaccination rates, especially among adolescents, which they say has led to tragic outcomes.
  3. There are doubts about RFK Jr.'s chances of confirmation, but the long-term effects of his potential power could still be serious for public health.

Wikipedia’s Islamist Vandals

American Dreaming • 616 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Media influence Historical revisionism Activism
  1. A group of editors has been manipulating Wikipedia pages to make certain groups look better and downplay unpleasant truths, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. One major focus of these edits was Hajj Amin al-Husseini, a controversial figure who collaborated with Nazi Germany, with efforts made to hide his negative actions in historical records.
  3. This manipulation of information on Wikipedia shows how easily facts can be distorted online, raising concerns about the reliability of what people read about important historical events.

My Body & Me: A Love/Hate Story, Texas AG Impeached, Poll: Americans Don't Trust Science, Publishers Sue Florida, Fake Photo Jiggles Stock Market, MTG and Ted Cruz Said What?, ARTEMIS Plays Jazz

kareem • 6898 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Corruption Election Ethics Misinformation
  1. The Texas Attorney General faced impeachment from fellow Republicans due to a series of serious legal and ethical issues.
  2. A fake image of a Pentagon explosion caused brief panic in the stock market, highlighting the impact of misinformation.
  3. The text reflects on the complex relationship between oneself and their body, portraying it as a companion through struggles and joys.

The newest AI slop on Facebook exploits suburban fear

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2746 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Digital Culture Online Trends Misinformation
  1. A recent Facebook post claiming that neighbors are egging cars over Halloween decorations is just a viral AI hoax. Many people believe it and react strongly, showing fear and distrust about their neighbors.
  2. AI-generated content is flooding social media and often incites extreme reactions, particularly fears related to neighborhood safety during events like Halloween.
  3. As AI content becomes more extreme, it might lead to worse stories and escalated fears about community issues, especially when it comes to kids and potential mischief.

Misinformation isn't actually the problem

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Political Discourse Media Critique Election Issues
  1. We often mix up different types of information, treating small issues as serious threats. This can confuse people about what really matters.
  2. Instead of just blaming misinformation, we should look at how we compare different topics. Some things shouldn't get the same level of attention.
  3. The real problem isn't just fake news; it's the way we discuss all these issues and the weight we give them in public conversations.

Taxpayer Funded Censorship: How Government is Using Your Tax Dollars to Silence Your Voice

OpenTheBooks Substack • 349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Misinformation Government spending Public Health Free speech
  1. A huge amount of taxpayer money, over $127 million, went to studying and fighting COVID-related misinformation. Much of this funding was aimed at promoting public health recommendations.
  2. The government has been closely working with social media companies to tag and remove content labeled as misinformation, raising concerns about free speech and trust in scientific advice.
  3. There are worries that the government’s approach to dealing with misinformation could be biased, leading to silencing dissenting voices and further eroding public faith in authorities.

Imported Doubt: How RFK Jr. Spearheaded a Disinformation Campaign that Left Samoa's Children Exposed (Pt. 1)

Off-Topic • 209 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination policy Public Health Misinformation Epidemiology Health Advocacy
  1. In 2019, Samoa experienced serious measles outbreaks, affecting many kids and even leading to deaths. This situation showed how important vaccines are for preventing disease.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has played a big role in spreading misinformation about vaccines. His actions contributed to fears that led to lower vaccination rates in places like Samoa.
  3. The disinformation campaign not only put lives at risk but also highlighted the influence of individuals spreading doubt about vaccines, showing how public health can be harmed by such claims.

Dingus of the week: Mark Zuckerberg

Men Yell at Me • 753 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tech Policy Social media Misinformation Free speech Political Commentary
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta is shutting down its fact-checking department, claiming it's biased. This means users can share their opinions without being corrected.
  2. Misinformation on social media has led to real violence and harm, raising concerns about the consequences of this new policy. People have been hurt or even died because of false information spread online.
  3. The community has shown kindness by supporting important causes, like abortion access. Together, people can make a difference and help those in need.

Save Democracy From Informed Citizens: Vote Censorship!

The DisInformation Chronicle • 385 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Media organizations are teaming up to push narratives that silence critics of politicians. This raises concerns about free speech in a democratic society.
  2. YouTube and other platforms are being pressured to remove content labeled as misinformation, often targeting conservative voices. This suggests a targeted effort to control the information available to the public.
  3. There is increasing scrutiny and criticism of social media platforms like Twitter for their handling of misinformation, particularly as they relate to upcoming elections. This scrutiny often coincides with efforts to diminish the reach of certain viewpoints.

The Republican-Legislator Misinformation Meltdown of December 2024

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Politicians Misinformation Media
  1. Misinformation can create chaos in government, as seen with recent events involving political leaders and social media. It shows how easily people can be influenced by false information.
  2. The compromise spending bill before a potential government shutdown highlights how partisan tensions can escalate quickly, especially with external influences like Elon Musk's comments.
  3. Despite the turmoil, there's a possibility of avoiding a government shutdown, but the situation reveals deeper issues about leadership and decision-making within the government.