The hottest Misinformation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

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 • 988 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.

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.

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

OpenTheBooks Substack • 267 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.

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.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-22 Fr

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 69 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Misinformation Political Movements Elections Economics
  1. Real wages for non-managerial workers are growing stronger now than in the past due to a tight labor market. This growth has continued despite challenges like the pandemic and inflation.
  2. Media sources greatly influence people's opinions and political views, creating a divide in beliefs. Many Americans see their reality differently based on their news consumption.
  3. There are different kinds of populist leaders, but not all fit neatly into traditional categories. The motivations behind their actions can vary widely, affecting how they connect with their supporters.
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Wikipedia’s Islamist Vandals

American Dreaming • 169 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.

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.

Dazed and Confused: Getting the Most out of Election Day Coverage

The DisInformation Chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Public Opinion
  1. When following election coverage, it's important to read from a variety of sources to get a balanced view. This helps you avoid bias and misinformation.
  2. Be careful with fact-checkers and mainstream media, as they may not always provide accurate or objective information. It's good to question what you hear.
  3. Alternative media can also be misleading, so approach it with caution. Look for trustworthy sources to get the truth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance
  1. Many Trump supporters are good-hearted people who genuinely worry about the country's direction. They voted for him not out of hate, but because they care.
  2. There is a serious problem when a large portion of the public prefers misinformation. It makes it hard for democracy to thrive if people choose not to believe the facts.
  3. Democrats may struggle to connect with those who need to hear their messages. Republicans are encouraged to take responsibility in educating their supporters about the truth.

9 ways to spot falsehoods

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1105 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation Public Health Vaccines Elections Disinformation Critical Thinking
  1. Check the basic logic of claims before sharing. If something sounds outrageous, take a moment to think it through.
  2. Follow the money behind the claims you see. If someone profits from spreading a story, be cautious about believing it.
  3. Stay skeptical and ask questions. The more you look into a claim, the better you'll understand its truth.

DRAFT: A Very Peculiar Kind of Triumph of the Will Indeed

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Political Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. There is a question about whether people supported Trump because they wanted to believe false information, or if they believed false information because they supported Trump. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.
  2. Misinformation has a strong influence on voters, making it hard to trust what is said by those who oppose it. This makes it challenging for others to communicate different perspectives effectively.
  3. To make progress, some Republicans who want change may need to find ways to help their supporters understand the truth and make better choices about who to trust.

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.

Science, Policy, and Values

Your Local Epidemiologist • 904 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Misinformation Policy decisions Trust Issues
  1. It's important to separate facts from opinions when discussing science and policy. Confusing the two can lead to mistrust in both.
  2. Values play a big role in public health decisions, and people often disagree on what should take priority, like saving lives versus personal freedom.
  3. We need clear and honest communication about scientific uncertainty. People want to understand evolving data, not just fixed facts.

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.

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.

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.

Who Needs RFK Jr. When We've Already Got a Corrupt CDC?

OK Doomer • 34 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Misinformation
  1. The CDC has not recommended N95 respirators for healthcare, which many experts believe is a mistake. This decision could put people’s health at risk during airborne illness outbreaks.
  2. A key committee at the CDC seems to have ignored advice from experts in aerosols and has not been listening to public health concerns. This lack of attention to scientific evidence is worrying.
  3. Only one member from the committee stood up for N95 masks during the meeting, highlighting a lack of support for stronger protective measures. It's important for health decisions to be made based on science and safety.

URGENT: Authors of a big new paper on Covid's heart risks presented its results in a misleading way likely to scare people the paper itself shows are not in danger

Unreported Truths • 64 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Pandemic response Misinformation
  1. A recent study found that most people who had Covid do not have an increased risk of heart problems long-term, contrary to scary headlines. It's important for people to have accurate information about their health risks.
  2. The reported increased risks mainly came from hospitalized Covid patients, who are already known to be at higher risk. Most people who were infected but did not need hospitalization had similar heart health to those who never contracted Covid.
  3. The misleading presentation of the study's findings could create unnecessary fear for those who had mild Covid cases. It’s crucial for people to understand their actual risk so they can manage their health appropriately.

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.

Will a two for one on autumn boosters be with us soon?

Independent SAGE continues • 399 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health COVID-19 Misinformation
  1. In the UK, the announcement for the autumn vaccine campaign is delayed, leaving many unsure about what vaccines will be available. Countries often announce their plans earlier, which could affect the procurement process.
  2. There are new vaccines on the horizon, including a two-in-one shot for both flu and COVID-19. While this is exciting, it won't be available until at least 2025 or 2026.
  3. Vaccination uptake is a big concern as many people, especially in certain ethnic minorities, aren't getting vaccinated. Misinformation can heavily influence people's choices, which is why easy access to vaccines is really important.

The WHO pandemic treaty is neccessary and absolutely no threat to sovereignty

Independent SAGE continues • 539 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Preparedness International Agreements Public Health Misinformation
  1. The WHO pandemic treaty is important for better international cooperation during pandemics. Countries need to work together to be better prepared and respond to future health crises.
  2. There is a lot of misinformation about the treaty, particularly claims about losing control to WHO. In reality, the treaty aims to respect each country's sovereignty while improving global health collaboration.
  3. Strong leadership and understanding are necessary to combat disinformation. Governments must focus on making effective agreements for global health, ensuring everyone is better protected next time a pandemic strikes.

The Endless Cycle Of Insanity Continues: Mask Mandates Are Back Again

Unmasked • 75 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policies COVID-19 Government Response Misinformation
  1. Mask mandates are returning in some areas, like California, as winter approaches. This has happened repeatedly since 2020.
  2. There is a belief that these mask mandates have failed to prevent illness in the past. Many are questioning why they are being reinstated again.
  3. Some people feel that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the mask policies and the studies supporting them. This creates confusion about their actual effectiveness.

12 LIES underpinning this 95% false-positive ‘PCR-manufactured’ fake, ‘asymptomatic transmission lie’ COVID pandemic; this was NEVER a pandemic!: 1)100% lie about asymptomatic spread 2) the lie about

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Misinformation Pandemic Public Health Vaccines
  1. There were lies about asymptomatic spread of COVID-19.
  2. False claims were made about the effectiveness of masks in preventing transmission.
  3. The safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were questioned.

Nullification of voices, scientists, doctors who stood up against mRNA technology & mRNA vaccine; inside, deep insiders warn me that move is afoot to TURN, to get high-ranking anti-mRNA voices to turn

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 884 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Misinformation Public Health Medical Ethics Health Risks
  1. There is an effort to nullify voices of scientists and doctors who oppose mRNA technology and vaccines, attempting to make them change their stance.
  2. Insiders are suggesting a move to persuade high-ranking anti-mRNA voices to soften their language and reports to prepare the public for acceptance of mRNA technology.
  3. Be cautious of potential infiltration by individuals admired and followed in the areas of mRNA technology and vaccines, as there may be attempts to misdirect and sway public opinion.

Another Pro-Mask Study Has Just Been Debunked

Unmasked • 58 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Misinformation Child welfare
  1. A recent study that supported mask-wearing has been proven wrong. This adds to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of masks.
  2. Some people believe that experts used misleading information to support their views on mask mandates, especially for children.
  3. There's a growing concern that some mask policies may have hurt kids more than helped them, highlighting a need to rethink health measures.

"This can happen to you"

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 618 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Misinformation Legislation Immigration Social media
  1. Mainstreaming of trafficking myths linked to QAnon by concerned moms has increased during the pandemic
  2. Misinformation about trafficking and its portrayal in online narratives can be harmful and misdirect resources
  3. Trafficking victims are often marginalized or vulnerable, and trafficking is not limited to just sex trafficking

My $100,000 offer to UC Santa Cruz

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Debate Policy Analysis Misinformation
  1. There's a challenge to UC Santa Cruz about their vaccine policies, proposing a debate where students decide the outcome.
  2. If the university's vaccine policy is better than the challenger's, they get $100,000; if not, UC Santa Cruz pays that amount to another organization.
  3. The university recently limited its use of social media to reduce misinformation, highlighting differing views on what misinformation really is.