The hottest Psychology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Palm Beach, Friendship Paradox, Personality and Eating

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 909 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Status Relationships Personality Behavior Happiness
  1. Women with tattoos might be more open to casual relationships and tend to enjoy new experiences more than those without tattoos.
  2. Going to religious services regularly can make people happier than having a lot of money, showing the power of community and connection.
  3. Good-looking people are often seen as more trustworthy and capable, which can even influence how they're treated in court.

The opportunity theory of depression

Wood From Eden • 3072 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Adaptation Evolutionary Theory Social Status
  1. Depression can happen when people feel there are no good opportunities in their lives. It's like a warning sign telling them to pause and wait for a better situation.
  2. Humans seek to feel useful and appreciated, which is different from just seeking social status. Feeling unimportant can lead to feelings of sadness or depression.
  3. Teenagers today sometimes feel low because they are seen as separate from adults and lack meaningful roles in society. This can make them feel powerless and contribute to depression.

Lead pipes are dangerous? Make 'em mandatory

Experimental History • 7173 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Literature Science Psychology Humor
  1. Lead pipes can poison people, and they have been used for thousands of years despite the dangers. People often realize this every few decades and push for laws to require lead pipes.
  2. Prominent figures like Ronald Reagan sought astrological advice from advisers like Nancy Reagan's astrologer, showing how beliefs in astrology influenced important decisions.
  3. There's a trend of creating similar movies at the same time, known as 'twin films,' where studios release films with similar themes or ideas around the same time, sometimes by coincidence or for profit.

Macro and Microphenomenology

Superb Owl • 3113 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Consciousness Psychology Meditation Phenomenology
  1. Psychology is getting more advanced by creating new ways to study the mind. This includes looking at both everyday mental experiences and the basic building blocks of consciousness.
  2. Microphenomenology focuses on tiny details of experience, like how we feel pain or perceive sensations. It helps us understand consciousness in a very precise way.
  3. Macrophenomenology explores larger states of consciousness, often influenced by extreme experiences, like those caused by psychedelics or intense emotions. It looks at how these experiences shape our overall mental landscape.

Infinite Loops, The Economist, Gut Feelings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1231 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Psychology Social Issues Media Education
  1. Spending money can lead to more social connections, especially for men, compared to saving. It seems that being open to spending might attract more partners.
  2. Being with a spouse can significantly boost happiness and make activities feel more meaningful. This shows how important companionship is in our lives.
  3. Dog lovers tend to be more extroverted and organized, while cat lovers might be more open to new experiences. This suggests that our pet preferences can reflect our personalities.
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La phobie de l’engagement n’existe pas

L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social norms Gender Studies Psychology Personal Development
  1. The idea of commitment phobia is often exaggerated; many people just avoid serious relationships with specific partners. It's not that they fear commitment overall, but rather with certain individuals.
  2. Men often know quickly if they want a serious relationship, but may take advantage of women's hesitation to express their desires.
  3. While a few people may genuinely have a fear of commitment, they are much less common than people think.

From a former liberal lunatic

Disaffected Newsletter • 4296 implied HN points • 19 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Beliefs Cultural Change Psychology Identity politics Political polarization
  1. People can become deeply attached to their beliefs because of strong emotions rather than logic. Emotional experiences often shape our views more than facts do.
  2. A major life crisis can sometimes lead to a change in thinking. It might take hitting 'rock bottom' for someone to reevaluate and shift their perspectives.
  3. Understanding that some people's moral compass is deeply misaligned can help you see why they hold certain beliefs. They might genuinely think they are doing the right thing.

Supply your own title

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Public Opinion Political Commentary Psychology
  1. Things are getting tougher in America, and it's making many people feel anxious and on edge. There's a sense that society is becoming more chaotic and unhealthy.
  2. The way the media handled the news about the second assassination attempt on Trump showed a lot of manipulation. They downplayed the seriousness and later shifted the blame onto Trump instead of acknowledging the threat against him.
  3. There are deep issues surrounding how men and women are treated in society, particularly regarding how some women can get away with harmful behavior. It's important to see these patterns not just as personal attacks but as a reflection of broader societal problems.

It's Not Cool to Overreact

OK Doomer • 169 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Human behavior Media History Psychology
  1. People often choose not to react during crises, similar to how a man ignored a tsunami. This shows a tendency to deny or overlook dangers that are happening around us.
  2. Many individuals wait and watch disasters unfold instead of taking action, which suggests a cultural trend of complacency and inaction.
  3. Overreacting is often frowned upon, leading to a reluctance to address urgent problems. This attitude can prevent us from dealing with serious issues, like climate change and pandemics.

C-SPAN, Paranoia, Sleeping Babies

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 833 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Media Studies Psychology Social Issues
  1. You can watch my C-SPAN interview about various topics related to public affairs. It's interesting to see how different subjects are discussed in media.
  2. I have a new lecture series on the psychology of social status, exploring why people seek status and how it influences behavior. This could help you understand social dynamics better.
  3. I shared some links to articles that discuss responsibility in society, paranoia, and modern issues. These readings could offer a deeper understanding of our current world.

Risers and Fallers

In My Tribe • 1032 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Intellectual history Cultural impact Psychology Political Science Sociology
  1. Some 20th-century thinkers, like John Kenneth Galbraith, have fallen in status, meaning fewer people today recognize their ideas or read their work.
  2. Others, like Rene Girard and John Maynard Keynes, have gained importance over time, with more people today acknowledging their contributions and theories.
  3. The relevance of intellectuals can vary by field; for example, figures in psychology like B.F. Skinner may be less noted now, while sociologists like Granovetter are gaining recognition.

On Mamala Dearest in the Blaze

Disaffected Newsletter • 1318 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Psychology Cultural Issues
  1. The piece discusses the similarities between child abuse dynamics and current political discourse, suggesting that extreme behaviors are becoming more common in society.
  2. Support for alternative media outlets like The Blaze is encouraged, as they provide stories not covered by mainstream media.
  3. The author shares personal experiences to illustrate how past family situations can help understand broader social issues today.

Harvard, Dog and Cat People, Casual Sex

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Psychology Education Arts Relationships
  1. Women tend to feel more loneliness and regret after casual sex, while men generally feel happier and more satisfied.
  2. In the Soviet Union, educated people were more supportive of communism compared to those with less education, showing that privilege can influence political beliefs.
  3. Trust levels vary by nationality; only a small percentage of Chinese citizens trust those from different countries, while much higher percentages in Germany, the US, and Australia do.

Preregistration Is No Panacea

Cremieux Recueil • 265 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🔬 Science Research Methods Psychology Artificial Intelligence Educational Research
  1. Preregistration in research is not a guaranteed way to ensure the accuracy of results. Even when studies are preregistered, they can still produce results that don't hold up upon replication.
  2. Simply preregistering a study isn’t enough. There needs to be strict detail and oversight in how research is conducted to prevent 'p-hacking' or manipulating data for desired results.
  3. Focusing on predictive research rather than just explanatory studies can help ensure that research is more relevant and impactful. When studies predict future outcomes, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to our understanding.

The Captain Class

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1082 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Communication Psychology Success
  1. Great sports teams have successful captains who share important traits. These traits include perseverance, pushing boundaries, and doing hard work for the team.
  2. Captains are key to strong teamwork because they communicate well and can handle tough conversations. They help keep the team focused and motivated.
  3. Organizations should recognize and support the behaviors that good captains display. This support helps teams improve and succeed together.

Science of Dread

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Stress management Emotional Wellbeing Psychology Personal Growth
  1. Our minds often generate stress and anxiety, especially during challenging times like deadlines. It's important to understand where these feelings come from.
  2. Dark thoughts can shape our behavior and mindset. They often relate to fear and dread, which can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
  3. Events like Halloween highlight our fascination with fear. Exploring why we feel dread can help us cope with anxiety and stress better.

How To 'See' The World Like Daredevil

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Research Psychology Environment Technology
  1. Some recent science suggests that it's possible for people to see the world in a unique way, similar to characters like Daredevil. It hints at untapped human abilities that we might not even know we have.
  2. There is a fascinating tree in Utah called Pando, which is actually one single tree made up of many clones. It's estimated to be between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
  3. It's important to focus on positive stories and support the art and media that inspire us. Finding and sharing things we love can help create a better world.

Schedule a meeting with Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Human nature Life Advice Personal Growth Communication
  1. You can book one-on-one video calls with Rob Henderson for discussions on various topics. It's a chance for readers to connect directly and share thoughts.
  2. The meetings are available for a limited time, so it's good to schedule them soon if you're interested. You can pick a date that fits your schedule.
  3. Conversations can cover his writings, psychology, and life advice, but should not be considered as professional therapy.

Is this real life?

Disaffected Newsletter • 3776 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Trauma Psychology Public Health
  1. Derealization is a feeling where the world seems unreal, like a scary movie. It can happen to people with mental health issues or past trauma, and it's really unsettling.
  2. The constant changes in news and public opinion can make people feel confused and anxious. It's like we are living in a situation where nothing feels stable or real.
  3. For those who have experienced derealization, knowing others feel the same can help them feel less alone. It's important to talk about these feelings and experiences.

Phallic Narcissism, Walk-Ins Welcome, Golden State

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 947 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Interviews Culture Society Psychology
  1. A small group of dedicated people can make a huge impact, like the Cambodian Communist Party did in history.
  2. Many female primary-care doctors may earn more as physician assistants due to working fewer hours.
  3. In recent U.S. elections, wealthy voters have started leaning to the left, while poorer voters are leaning to the right.

Mistress of the Dream Realm

Soaring Twenties • 123 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Dreams Psychology Interpretation Art Humor
  1. Dreams can provide insights about our lives, but sometimes they don't make any sense. It's fun to explore and think about what they might mean.
  2. You can learn a lot from your dreams by writing them down or talking about them. Being aware of our dreams helps us understand our thoughts and feelings better.
  3. Using dream interpretation as a business might attract negative energy, so it's better to share insights for free. Trusting your dreams can lead to valuable realizations about yourself.

Dragons in the Dungeons of Mind

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Political art Psychology Sociology
  1. The dragon represents harmful leaders or systems that seem powerful and unchallengeable, but people often accept their existence without questioning. It's important to recognize how society can normalize oppression, making it hard for individuals to imagine a life without it.
  2. Killing the dragon is not enough; the mindset of the people can still hold onto oppressive ideas. After a tyrant is gone, a new leader can take over if the collective consciousness doesn't change first.
  3. The play highlights the risk of becoming complacent under tyranny, as people may believe they have no choice but to accept their fate, leading them to become complicit in their own oppression. It shows that true freedom requires mental liberation alongside physical change.

Vivre avec le TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Disability Psychology Neurodiversity Addiction
  1. People with ADHD often face misunderstandings because their traits can seem normal to others. This leads to misconceptions like being labeled as lazy instead of recognizing the neurodivergence.
  2. ADHD can significantly impact a person's life, including higher risks for issues like addiction, job loss, and relationship problems. These challenges are often tied to how society views productivity.
  3. While treating ADHD can lead to positive changes in life, it does not change who a person is. Many people with ADHD also have unique strengths, like creativity and the ability to hyperfocus on topics they love.

Nash's Invention of Non-Cooperative Game Theory (1949-50)

Cantor's Paradise • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🚌 Education Game Theory Mathematics Economics Psychology History
  1. Nash developed his idea of non-cooperative game theory during his time at Princeton, focusing on how people can benefit from making decisions independently. His work changed the way games and competitive actions are analyzed.
  2. He introduced the concept of Nash equilibrium, where no player can improve their outcome by changing their strategy alone. This idea is crucial for understanding strategic interactions in economics and beyond.
  3. Despite initial indifference from established economists, Nash's theories gained recognition and eventually earned him a Nobel Prize. His insights made game theory relevant and valuable for various fields, including economics.

The One and the Many

The Fry Corner • 21522 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Philosophy Psychology Politics Statistics
  1. Groups of people can behave in predictable ways, even if individuals within those groups act randomly. This means we can anticipate the behavior of a crowd better than that of a single person.
  2. Statistics play a big role in predicting risks and behaviors. For example, actuarial tables help insurance companies set rates based on the likelihood of certain events, regardless of the reasons behind those probabilities.
  3. There is often a disconnect between how we view groups of people versus individuals. While we might feel negatively about humanity as a whole, we tend to appreciate and trust the individuals we meet in our daily lives.

You can't be too happy, literally

Experimental History • 21278 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Emotions Well-being Psychology Self-care
  1. People tend to stay at the same level of happiness over time, despite major events happening around them.
  2. Research shows that individuals adjust to both good and bad situations, aiming to maintain a balance in their emotions like a thermostat.
  3. The mind has control systems like a furnace and an air conditioner that help modulate mood levels to prevent extreme states of sadness or euphoria.

Evil Eyes, Status Games, Substack Meetings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1193 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Psychology Family Behavior
  1. Social status affects how we behave and interact with others. It influences everything from our emotions to our romantic pursuits.
  2. One-on-one meetings with readers are being offered, allowing for direct conversations and engagement.
  3. Recent findings show that marriage dynamics and education levels can significantly influence family structures and priorities.

Comment TRADUIRE le TDAH ?

L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Neurodiversity Psychology Health Education Self-help
  1. ADHD can show up in different ways, like trouble focusing or being hyperactive. It's important to understand these traits to recognize and discuss ADHD better.
  2. People with ADHD may struggle with things like organization and time management. Their brains work differently, leading to challenges in focusing on tasks unless there’s something interesting or urgent about them.
  3. Emotional regulation can be tough for someone with ADHD. They might react strongly to feelings of rejection or anger, even if it seems delayed, which can be confusing for others.

Links to Consider, 10/15/2024

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Free speech Psychology Society
  1. Personality tests like the Big Five or Myers-Briggs might not be very good at predicting important life outcomes. Their accuracy isn't much better than just guessing.
  2. Free speech has changed over time, moving from a focus on persuading others to simply expressing one's own beliefs. This represents a shift in how we communicate and engage with each other.
  3. Modern societies often value citizenship over family ties, which affects people's views on having children. Many may feel pressured to prioritize social status over family-building.

Psycho

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Media Psychology
  1. The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon: DSM 666

Unsafe Science • 45 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.

The Slop School of Internet Success and other lies about cyberspace

Experimental History • 19425 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Writing Science Art Psychology
  1. Making a living on the internet doesn't have to involve creating 'slop' content like clickbait or scams.
  2. Success online can come from creating honest, original, and interesting content that people genuinely enjoy and share.
  3. Supporting creators financially for content you enjoy can help create a better internet ecosystem and encourage more quality content.

PREVIEW: The Three Archetypes of Internet Overexposure Syndrome

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Psychology Sociology Communication Media
  1. There are three main types of reactions people have to constant internet use: the Autist, the Schizo, and the Borderline. Each type represents a different way of dealing with online exposure.
  2. The Autist may focus on details and facts, while the Schizo might feel confused or paranoid about online information. The Borderline can experience intense emotions related to their online interactions.
  3. Understanding these archetypes can help us recognize our own behaviors and feelings about the internet, leading to better mental health and awareness.

Against Forgiveness

rachaelmeager • 1448 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Psychology Society Abuse Forgiveness
  1. Many acts of abuse can seem ordinary or unremarkable, making it hard for people to acknowledge their seriousness. We often want abuse to be extremely obvious for us to react strongly.
  2. Forgiveness is often pushed in our culture, especially after wrongdoing, but it can be harmful. Real healing might require facing the truth of what happened rather than simply forgiving the wrongdoer.
  3. Guilt can be a healthy emotion that points toward responsibility. It's important to recognize that not everyone who harms us is simply making honest mistakes, and true accountability matters.

Would Cats Make for Better Dogs?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Pets Psychology Lifestyle Nature
  1. Cats and dogs have very different bodies and strengths. Dogs are built for endurance and can run longer distances, while cats have strong, flexible bodies that are better for short bursts of energy.
  2. Cats are independent and don't need as much exercise as dogs. This makes them more suited to relaxing with humans, while dogs expect more active playtime and walks.
  3. Giving a dog a cat's body wouldn't work well, and vice versa. Each animal is designed for different tasks and environments, which is why they act and serve us in unique ways.

~75% of Psychology Claims are False

Unsafe Science • 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.

Ways Of Flourishing

Adjacent Possible • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Longevity Aging AI Impact
  1. Human life expectancy has greatly improved in the last century, doubling from around 35 years to over 70 years. This shows how much we have advanced in health and longevity.
  2. Flourishing isn't just about living longer; it's about building meaningful connections across generations. These relationships enrich our lives and help transfer knowledge and wisdom.
  3. With the rise of AI, we are facing rapid changes that could compress decades of progress into just a few years. This raises important questions about how we can adapt and ensure positive outcomes for both humans and AI.

What I Learned from Bob Cialdini

Remarkable People • 339 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Influence Psychology Entrepreneurship Ethics
  1. Reciprocity is powerful. When you do something nice for someone, they feel compelled to return the favor. This helps build trust and strong relationships.
  2. Cialdini's six principles of influence include social proof, authority, and scarcity. Using these ideas can make your messages more effective and persuasive.
  3. It's important to use persuasion ethically. The goal should be to create a win-win situation, where everyone feels good about the outcome.

Links For February 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 7433 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Psychology Medicine Technology History Biology
  1. Blind mathematicians often work in geometry and topology, suggesting unique perceptions.
  2. The Basilica of the Holy House in Italy intriguingly ties angelic folklore with historical architecture.
  3. Starting a journey from Seattle and heading east ends in Russia, the first country reached while traversing the Atlantic Ocean.