The hottest Psychology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
L'Atelier Galita 139 implied HN points 16 Oct 24
  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.
The Ruffian 245 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. Madison Keys won the Australian Open by playing more instinctively and accepting her mistakes. She realized that losing while being true to herself was better than winning by playing tightly and feeling stressed.
  2. She worked on her mental health through therapy, which helped her feel happier and less burdened by the pressure to win. She learned that success in tennis doesn't define her worth as a person.
  3. Keys found success by caring less about the outcome of her matches. By reducing her focus on winning, she could play more freely and confidently.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 839 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. Misdiagnosis in healthcare can lead to unnecessary grief, as seen in one family's experience with Alzheimer's. It highlights how important it is for doctors to view patients as whole individuals rather than just a set of symptoms.
  2. Many people relate to the struggles of misdiagnosis and want to share their stories. This shows that there is a larger conversation around the issues in the medical system that need attention.
  3. Connecting with others who have faced similar health challenges can provide hope and community support. There is a need for open discussions about healthcare and the potential for better outcomes.
Superb Owl 3113 implied HN points 23 Nov 24
  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.
The Intrinsic Perspective 5983 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Our brains clean themselves while we sleep, which is super important for our health. If we use strong sleep aids, like Ambien, it might mess with this cleaning process.
  2. The world is seeing fewer children being born, which means we might be reaching a point where there are not as many kids in the future. This can affect society in various ways.
  3. There's a common fear that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could take away all jobs. However, it's likely that human jobs will still have value even as technology improves.
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Nice Try 379 implied HN points 07 Sep 24
  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.
Knowingless 1931 implied HN points 13 Dec 24
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.
Astral Codex Ten 7157 implied HN points 20 Dec 24
  1. There's a reader survey available that helps understand who reads the blog and explore psychological findings. It's like a fun way to learn more about people's interests.
  2. Taking the survey will take around 20 to 30 minutes, and participants have a chance to win a free one-year subscription. It's a nice incentive to get more people involved.
  3. The survey closes on January 5, so it's important to fill it out before then to make your voice heard.
rachaelmeager 1448 implied HN points 19 Aug 24
  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.
The Prism 877 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  1. Being too focused on what we hate in politics makes us unhappy. Instead, we should think about what we stand for and what we can support positively.
  2. Markets and services can start off great for users but may turn worse as they become more focused on profits over their customers. We should be aware of this shift in priorities.
  3. To truly learn something well, we should try to teach it. Teaching others helps deepen our understanding and makes information stick better.
In My Tribe 212 implied HN points 20 May 25
  1. Younger people tend to show traits like selfishness and callousness, while older people are generally more trusting and kind. These personality traits can change with age.
  2. Focusing too much on mental health can lead to overdiagnosis and distract from helping those who really need it. It's important to differentiate between regular emotions and actual mental health issues.
  3. There are concerns that early phone use could harm kids’ brains. Instead of relying on phones, having more caregivers might be a better option for young children.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 4053 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. Your true self is often linked to how you want others to see you. When you live up to that image, you feel more authentic.
  2. People might feel less authentic when they act in ways that go against their desired reputation. They often say things like 'that's not who I am' when they're ashamed.
  3. The idea of the 'true self' isn't a concrete thing; it's more of an ideal we aim for. We feel more like ourselves when our actions align with that ideal.
DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER 515 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Jimmy Carter once told a funny story about a rabbit that scared him while fishing, and it became a big deal in the news, even though he only shared it privately.
  2. There's interesting talk about how we classify mental disorders nowadays and if labels like 'ADHD' will still be relevant in the future.
  3. Recent studies show that drinking alcohol can lead to a higher risk of cancer, and it's great when reports present this information clearly and let people draw their own conclusions.
Experimental History 7173 implied HN points 05 Nov 24
  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.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 3200 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. People often compare their boring everyday lives to the exciting highlights they see in stories or on social media, which can make them feel inadequate. It's important to remember that everyone has regular parts of their life that aren't shown.
  2. When writing, it's crucial to focus on the most interesting and meaningful parts of a story instead of trying to capture every detail. The first draft should be for yourself without outside feedback, then later you can edit for the audience.
  3. Stories are designed to be engaging, which means they often skip over mundane details. The best stories focus on conflict and emotion, highlighting only the moments that resonate with the reader.
Remarkable People 339 implied HN points 28 Aug 24
  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.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 2535 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. Ayn Rand encourages people to find joy in their everyday work. She believes that seeing your job as valuable can lead to a happier life.
  2. She suggests it's okay to judge yourself and others to motivate self-improvement. Feeling like a 'loser' can drive you to do better things in life.
  3. Rand argues that being selfish is part of human nature and should be accepted. Understanding this can help us build a happier and more productive life.
OK Doomer 178 implied HN points 01 Feb 25
  1. People feel alone when they realize how serious our problems are. They want to talk and connect with others who share their worries.
  2. Many distractions in our culture, like politics, pull attention away from the real issues at hand. They can feel like a way to ignore the reality of difficult times ahead.
  3. It's important to acknowledge that doom and uncertainty won't disappear. Finding a balance between awareness and hope can help navigate these feelings better.
The Infinitesimal 1298 implied HN points 06 Jul 24
  1. Genetic tests claiming to predict IQ are not reliable. They often rely on complex methods that mostly just lead to guesswork.
  2. The accuracy of these genetic predictions is very low, explaining only a tiny fraction of variations in IQ scores. In fact, other factors like age and social environment play a much bigger role.
  3. Many of these predictions confuse people about how genetics really work. It's important to understand that these scores should be treated more like entertainment than serious assessments.
Experimental History 21278 implied HN points 27 Feb 24
  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.
Disaffected Newsletter 4316 implied HN points 21 Mar 24
  1. Madonna's recent performance highlighted her struggle with aging and the desire to cling to her past fame, which some people found sad and awkward.
  2. The concert's production quality was disappointing, with issues like poor sound and lip-syncing, leaving many fans feeling cheated.
  3. The author's views on Madonna shifted over time, reflecting a broader change in attitudes towards celebrity culture and its impacts on personal growth.
The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie 4792 implied HN points 01 Mar 24
  1. Enchantment can be a form of resistance, challenging the myths that contribute to ongoing issues and inspiring new ways of being.
  2. Writers and storytellers play a crucial role in resistance by offering stories that help people imagine and desire a better world.
  3. Resistance to everyday evils can involve living differently day by day, making small changes that collectively create a positive impact.
Something to Consider 1019 implied HN points 07 Jul 24
  1. Psychology lacks a solid theoretical framework, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions from research. Without a guiding theory, findings can feel random and disconnected.
  2. Economics, on the other hand, is built on clear theories that help explain and predict human behavior in markets. These theories allow economists to make strong and testable predictions.
  3. A theory in economics helps researchers know what to expect, and it can influence actual outcomes in the real world, unlike the often unclear results in psychology.
Austin Kleon 2837 implied HN points 23 Apr 24
  1. Perfectionism isn't just about wanting everything to be perfect. It's more about noticing the gap between what's ideal and what's real, which can hold people back from creating.
  2. Many people may not realize they are perfectionists until they understand the signs. Recognizing this can help in overcoming blocks to doing what you want.
  3. Embracing imperfections can actually be a more freeing approach to creativity. It allows for mistakes and messiness, which can lead to more genuine art and expression.
Bet On It 2621 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Men and women often have very different views on attractiveness. Most men rate women highly, but many women rate men much lower.
  2. Rejection isn't just personal; it's often about general trends in attraction. Women may reject many men because they generally find most men less appealing.
  3. Both men and women can improve their dating experiences. Men can work on personal grooming and manners, while women can try to appreciate qualities like charm and humor more.
The Convivial Society 3751 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. We need to protect our minds from being controlled by technology. Just like how land was taken away from the public, our thoughts and feelings can also be captured and managed by companies.
  2. Our smartphones feel personal, but they constantly collect information about us. It creates a sense that our devices know our thoughts when they only analyze our data.
  3. Silence and quiet time are essential for our mental health. When technology distracts us, it steals our chance to think deeply and connect with others.
Tessa Fights Robots 21 implied HN points 11 Jun 25
  1. We are living in a complex situation where many forces are trying to control how we think and feel. It's important to look deeper and understand what's really happening beyond just the surface issues.
  2. Many messages we hear are designed to keep us angry and divided instead of helping us find real solutions. We need to be cautious about who we listen to and what emotions we let guide us.
  3. It's crucial for us to reconnect with our true selves and recognize our power to create positive change. By healing and being honest with ourselves, we can move past the oppressive narratives and start building a better reality.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 2045 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Men run faster than women in short races, but women start to catch up in longer ones. It's interesting to see how endurance plays a role in racing.
  2. Happy relationships, especially in marriage, are super important for a fulfilling life as we age. Staying connected with loved ones really matters.
  3. People who are open to new experiences often do quirky things like eating spicy food for breakfast and daydreaming for fun. Being open-minded can lead to a pretty cool day.
L'Atelier Galita 79 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. Finding a career that fits you is sometimes hard. It's tough to know what you really love doing, even though other factors seem easier to identify.
  2. Tim Urban's idea of the 'octopus of desires' shows that our different aspirations can clash with each other. You can't easily satisfy all your desires at once.
  3. There are five types of desires: personal, social, moral, practical, and lifestyle. It's important to prioritize these to find better balance and fulfillment in your life.
Experimental History 19425 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  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.
The Prism 613 implied HN points 13 Dec 24
  1. Empathy can sometimes lead people to support those who have committed serious crimes, like murder, by seeing them as victims rather than acknowledging their actions. This often happens because people connect emotionally and ignore the facts.
  2. Women may be more affected by stories that evoke empathy, which can lead to biased views in trials and public discussions about justice, especially in cases of alleged abuse.
  3. Believing that empathy always leads to compassion can be misleading; it might actually cause unfairness and cruelty toward others, as people might overlook wrongdoing because they only focus on the suffering of one side.
The Leap 1738 implied HN points 21 May 24
  1. Writing is a commitment to your readers. It's important to share your thoughts and connect with them, even if it feels like work sometimes.
  2. You shouldn't wait for the perfect moment to take risks. Embrace uncertainty and jump in, even if you feel scared or unsure.
  3. This newsletter will cover various topics and ideas. It's a space for exploration, so expect different subjects and personal insights.
Disaffected Newsletter 779 implied HN points 08 Jul 24
  1. Dementia can show hidden sides of a person's personality, like how Joe Biden's ego comes through in interviews after debates.
  2. Some argue that feminism ignores basic human instincts, claiming feelings like maternal instinct are just a result of societal pressure.
  3. Covert narcissism is trickier to spot than the usual, loud types. It's important to learn how to notice it before it causes harm.
Disaffected Newsletter 1758 implied HN points 14 May 24
  1. The slattern is a unique character type in stories, often portrayed as messy and chaotic but intriguing. Many people are drawn to these flawed characters because they are relatable and fun to explore.
  2. Growing up with a complex relationship with one’s mother can shape how individuals view and mimic female figures in media. This dynamic can lead to a stronger connection with the 'bad women' archetype in pop culture.
  3. Emulating these characters can feel empowering, even if there is awareness of their flaws. Playing around with the slattern persona can be a playful way to explore one's childhood experiences and relationships.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 1534 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Women are seen as equally attractive in both luxury and standard settings, which shows that appearance is more about the person than their surroundings.
  2. There’s been a big change in how Americans feel about college; many now think it’s not that important for their kids, unlike in the past.
  3. Interestingly, the wealthier a person was, the more likely they were to support ideas like defunding the police, which challenges common assumptions about money and social issues.
Granted 8705 implied HN points 05 Mar 23
  1. Consider embracing the latest data to improve the theory by moving away from antiquated ideas and focusing on more reliable traits.
  2. Demand real evidence for efficacy by conducting randomized, controlled experiments to validate the benefits claimed by MBTI.
  3. Understand that many scientists have left MBTI due to concerns about its validity and its historical associations with racism and sexism.
Castalia 699 implied HN points 06 Jul 24
  1. Medieval Catholicism offers a unique way to understand psychological states using the idea of demons and possession. This approach can help explain behaviors and emotions in a way that modern labels sometimes fail to capture.
  2. The Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and redemption. This is shown through stories, like Dante's, which illustrate that even the worst actions can lead to healing through understanding and acceptance of one's sins.
  3. Religious language and belief systems can provide powerful support in overcoming struggles, like addiction. Many people find that embracing a higher power helps them in their journey towards recovery and self-acceptance.