The hottest Misinformation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

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

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

Harassment against scientists is out of control

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1594 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. Harassment against scientists, including stalking, bullying, and threats, has become a common and serious issue online and offline.
  2. Many scientists, both male and female, have reported experiencing harassment, threats, and emotional stress, particularly women in the field.
  3. The high levels of harassment and threats have led to many scientists withdrawing from social media and public engagement, creating a gap in scientific communication and community trust.

Bike lock agitators and the license of reasonableness

The End(s) of Argument • 59 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. People may misrepresent evidence to support their claims by portraying it as reasonable.
  2. Misinformation can have a significant impact by influencing public perception and shaping what is considered reasonable.
  3. Maintaining reasonableness in arguments requires honest representation of evidence and adherence to norms to keep the license of reasonableness intact.

Is the impact of generative AI on elections overblown?

Unmoderated Insights • 4 HN points • 03 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. Many claims about AI messing up elections are being exaggerated. So far, real events have had a bigger impact than AI-generated content.
  2. Misinformation isn't new, but AI makes it easier to create and share harmful content quickly. The real issue lies in how platforms handle this content.
  3. Companies should improve their systems to control harmful content and support election integrity. It's not just about AI—it’s also about the responsibility of social media platforms.

âś… Global risks report

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Misinformation
  1. Extreme weather is a big concern for the year ahead, with more heatwaves and flooding expected. The hottest summer in 2023 has made this risk even clearer.
  2. Misinformation, especially from AI, is threatening elections and social unity. It's hard for governments to control this while also protecting free speech.
  3. Economic uncertainty is growing globally, with inflation and conflicts in places like Ukraine and Israel adding to the worries. Many economies are facing tough and uncertain futures.
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Save Democracy From Informed Citizens: Vote Censorship!

The DisInformation Chronicle • 385 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  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.

COVID Inquiry Finds Lockdowns Were Terrible, While Reporters Call Bullshit on Government’s Lead Academic Advisor

The DisInformation Chronicle • 815 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. COVID Inquiry in the UK highlights failures of lockdown policies and issues with government advisors
  2. Top government advisors criticized media for promoting harmful COVID misinformation
  3. Journalists pointed out contradictions in the statements of government advisors during the inquiry

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 Misinformation
  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.

I'm Not Loving the AI Jobs Discourse Right Now

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Misinformation
  1. The public conversation about AI and jobs is poor quality and often full of fear-mongering and bad faith arguments.
  2. There are three distinct AI risks — alignment, misinformation, and job displacement — and they deserve different levels of concern: alignment is very worrying, misinformation is less novel, and the jobs debate is the most overheated.
  3. Treating labor as a cost is a normal business perspective, and criticizing companies for that misses that paychecks are a real benefit for workers and that firms respond to economic incentives.

When (and how) do we debate vaccine science?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1281 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Misinformation
  1. Debating vaccine science can create false equivalence and be time-consuming and dangerous.
  2. Live debates can prioritize charm over data and lead to logical fallacies and dead-end discussions.
  3. Some debates are worthwhile when participants are open to changing their minds and when the subject matter is not politically or religiously polarized.

How often do AI's lie and censor?

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Misinformation
  1. Some AI systems will refuse or block answers to certain prompts, and the same question can get very different responses from different models.
  2. Language models can be made to generate convincing but false health information, and the strength of safeguards varies a lot between systems.
  3. Many AIs deny lying or censoring and there’s no external verification process, so users should not trust them blindly and must verify important information themselves.

Misinformation Researcher Sander van der Linden Caught Lying and Spreading Misinformation

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. Misinformation researcher Sander van der Linden was caught lying and spreading misinformation, tarnishing his credibility.
  2. The incident sheds light on the concern that 'misinformation research' might be used for political purposes to silence dissent on controversial topics.
  3. Van der Linden's behavior on social media and Wikipedia highlights potential manipulation to create a false image of credibility and promote personal research.

My friend Shane decided to ignore my advice and listen to his doctor and got a COVID vaccine. He now has permanent heart damage.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Misinformation
  1. A friend followed medical advice, got a COVID vaccine, and now has permanent heart damage.
  2. The author is frustrated that people ignore warnings and trust doctors, saying this led to severe injuries and even deaths among friends.
  3. The author believes COVID vaccines provide no benefit and only cause harm, and urges others to spread that message.

old media vs new model mockery

bad cattitude • 245 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Vaccine expert Peter Hotez was offered $2.6M free and clear to debate RFK Jr. on vaccine safety. He turned it down.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. A prominent vaccine expert turned down multi‑million dollar offers to debate a high‑profile vaccine critic, saying such events risk becoming spectacles rather than serious scientific discussion.
  2. People who backed the offers interpret the refusals as proof that mainstream vaccine experts avoid public debates with challengers and see that as evidence of unwillingness to be held accountable.
  3. The episode highlights how crowdfunding and large public bounties fuel polarized media standoffs, and that many experts prefer education and controlled media appearances over open debate formats.

are you tired?

the wiczipedia weekly • 157 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Misinformation
  1. Conflict and violence dominate media with 'if it bleeds, it leads.'
  2. There is a divide in compassion and information fatigue in the American information ecosystem.
  3. Misinformation and distrust worsen as conflict persists, leading to a lack of compassion and confusion.

Did CCDH and AAMC Cooperate on COVID Censorship?

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. The AAMC and CCDH acted as complementary parts of the same censorship‑oriented ecosystem. AAMC enforced norms inside medicine while CCDH pressured platforms and public discourse.
  2. Coordination came through shared funders, overlapping advisory networks, and participation in government‑led partner calls rather than a clearly documented contract. There’s strong circumstantial evidence of synchronized messaging and influence.
  3. CCDH projects like the "Disinformation Dozen" shaped platform moderation and government talking points, and AAMC statements often echoed that rhetoric, helping to marginalize dissenting medical voices.

One AI-generated human race, part II

Conspirador Norteño • 16 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Misinformation
  1. A coordinated TikTok spam network of at least 76 accounts posts highly repetitive AI-generated videos of nonexistent people, and many clips show obvious AI glitches.
  2. The network’s content has broadened from friendly messages to recurring themes like romantic couple scenes, dating prompts, and staged emergency workers, all using similar fake people and backgrounds.
  3. Many accounts later pivot to commercial spam—mainly dietary supplements in English and Spanish with Paid Partnership labels—suggesting the AI videos were used to farm engagement before trying to monetize.

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 Misinformation
  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.

Rethinking Information Disorder via Argumentation Theory Lens

The End(s) of Argument • 139 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🚌 Education Misinformation
  1. Reading intent in information disorder is challenging because it's hard to know the motives of individuals and misleading content may vary in severity.
  2. Considering evidence within argumentation can help understand the validity of information. Fabricated evidence is invalid for any argument, while contextually misleading evidence may be valid for specific arguments.
  3. Assessing information disorder types involves evaluating the necessity of understanding the argument context to judge evidence validity, rather than solely focusing on malicious intent.

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 Misinformation
  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.

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

The DisInformation Chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  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.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Misinformation Decided the U.S. Election

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  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.

NIH Scientist Testifies Government Ignored Importance of Natural Immunity—Let Us Now Commence, Once Again, the Great Misremembering

The DisInformation Chronicle • 715 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. NIH scientist testified on the importance of natural immunity after COVID infection
  2. Many countries outside the US acknowledged natural immunity but America hasn't
  3. Public trust in science has declined due to reasons like censorship and conflicts of interest

They Called Him “Crooked Cohen”

The DisInformation Chronicle • 405 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
đź“° News Misinformation
  1. The COVID pandemic exposed flaws in science writing, with inaccurate reporting on various issues like vaccines, masks, and the origin of the virus.
  2. It is crucial to distinguish between science writing and journalism, as science writers often rely on experts' opinions without conducting investigative reporting.
  3. The case of Jon Cohen, labeled 'Crooked Cohen,' showcases a prime example of misleading pandemic science writing, emphasizing the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting.

Stolen accounts in the blue, blue skies

Conspirador Norteño • 48 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. There are a lot of stolen accounts on Bluesky being used for spam. These accounts have had their profiles changed with recycled biographies that often don't match their original purpose.
  2. Researchers can track when these account changes happen by monitoring updates in real-time. They found multiple accounts often change their biographies at the same time, suggesting a coordinated effort.
  3. Many of these accounts use stolen profile pictures and had different roles before they were repurposed. This indicates they have been hijacked by the same person or group to create a fake network.

My email to Brown Professor Craig Spencer, M.D., MPH on his StatNews article

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. An open invitation asks a public health expert to have a civil, data-focused conversation about vaccine safety, aiming to stick to data and methods rather than rhetoric.
  2. The view that the medical community is simply 'correct and must earn trust' is challenged, with a key concern being that many credentialed experts refuse public, method-focused debates.
  3. Repeated attempts to engage prominent figures (including offers to Dr. Paul Offit and an instance where Peter Hotez reportedly declined to meet RFK) are seen as evidence that refusal to dialogue is the main barrier to finding the truth, and dialogue is promoted as the solution.

Having Neighbors Who Vote for Donald Trump Is Dangerous to Your Health

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. Having neighbors who vote for Donald Trump could lead to a higher chance of dying from the Covid Plague.
  2. The difference in Covid outcomes between counties may not be due to behavioral factors, but rather to vaccination rates influenced by political views.
  3. Vaccination rates seem to be linked to political figures like Donald Trump, showing how politics can impact public health.

Congress Corrects the Record on CDC Director Walensky’s False Claim about Masks

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. Congress is correcting CDC Director Walensky's false claim about masks to ensure public trust in health officials.
  2. There is pushback against misleading claims on masks' effectiveness, with concerns about conflicts of interest and Cochrane's troubles.
  3. Cochrane board member Catherine Marshall failed to disclose consulting gigs with the New Zealand government on COVID policy, raising questions about her advice and potential conflicts.

URGENT/Update: Good news... and bad

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. Dr. Vinay Prasad has been reinstated at the FDA, which is good news for those who believe in the importance of proving drug effectiveness. His return shows a pushback against pharmaceutical companies.
  2. A tragic shooting at the CDC has led to increased attacks on those who question mRNA vaccines. Some media are linking the violence to vaccine skepticism, which raises concerns about freedom of speech.
  3. It's crucial to investigate potential risks of mRNA vaccines openly, rather than silencing criticism. Honest discussions about risks should happen without fear of being blamed for others' violent actions.

The Republican-Legislator Misinformation Meltdown of December 2024

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  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.

I just offered Paul Offit $1M to have a public debate on COVID vaccine safety for 1 hour

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation
  1. A large cash offer was made to a prominent vaccine expert to do a public one-hour debate on COVID vaccine safety.
  2. That offer was declined, and another high-profile vaccine scientist also previously turned down a multimillion-dollar debate offer.
  3. Those refusals are presented as evidence that the experts either lack the data or are avoiding scrutiny, and this is used to suggest their claims about vaccine safety should be questioned.

Pandemic Reporting Failed to Seek Facts While Favoring Biopharma Public Relations

The DisInformation Chronicle • 665 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation
  1. Pandemic reporting should prioritize seeking facts over favoring biopharma public relations.
  2. Journalists should uphold journalistic ethics and verify claims before publishing articles.
  3. Advocacy journalism threatens democracy by undermining informed decision-making and should be countered with fact-based reporting.