The hottest Public Behavior Substack posts right now

People are starting to push back physically and culturally against wearable surveillance tech, showing real anger at devices that can identify strangers and record them without consent.
Attempts to shame or vilify critics—like calling a woman a “Karen”—often fail online and can instead rally public sympathy for people who resist intrusive tech.
Social media can amplify or invert these incidents, and the privacy debate over AI-powered glasses looks set to be a major public issue shaping attitudes and trends in 2026.

Quiet spaces like libraries and museums are becoming louder and less respected, which affects our ability to focus and reflect.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed people's social behaviors, making them less considerate of noise in public spaces.
There is a growing need for more quiet spaces or 'chill out' centers where people can escape noise and find peace in their lives.

Incivility in daily life is increasing, especially among service workers. This is not just a rare occurrence but a common issue that happens regularly.
Many believe that service workers have 'bad days' which excuses their behavior, but this mindset is challenged. People should not accept poor service as a norm just because someone is having a tough time.
Younger generations, particularly Millennials, may not recognize or fully understand the shift in attitudes towards service jobs. The expectation for respectful service should remain high, regardless of the circumstances.

Narcissism can be a strong advantage in society. People who are narcissistic often grab attention and twist situations to meet their own selfish goals.
To deal with narcissists, it’s important to set boundaries and not get manipulated. Just like handling difficult children, it's about staying firm and not engaging in their games.
Our culture often fails to learn from the dangers of narcissism. We need to develop qualities like self-restraint and the ability to look away from those who dominate public attention.

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Many are pinning hopes on a COVID-19 vaccine to end the pandemic, but the distribution process may lead to a prolonged economic downturn.
The arrival of a vaccine could bring about changes in social distancing behaviors, leading to negative impacts on consumer activities and businesses.
While a vaccine may be beneficial in the long run, in the short term, it could pose challenges for the economy, requiring preparation for the potential consequences.

Implementing widespread, cheap, rapid Covid-19 testing may impact people's behavior in managing contagion risk.
Rolling out a testing regime could lead to a rebound effect where people engage in less social distancing and mask-wearing, potentially increasing infections.
To mitigate the rebound effect, it is important to identify groups likely to reduce social distancing, combine testing with mandatory distancing, and avoid relying solely on self-reported tests.