The hottest Social Behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 4 - The "New Normal"

COVID Reason • 475 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Social Behavior Remote work Mental health
  1. Social distancing has made people feel more isolated and suspicious of each other. It's now hard for them to feel comfortable with close contact, like handshakes or hugs.
  2. Working from home sounds good, but it has turned into a way to control people's lives. They end up working more and feel stuck, as their home becomes like an office.
  3. People might miss in-person interactions, but they are being trained to prefer the convenience and safety of digital communication. This can make real connections feel uncomfortable.

Part 3: Who can suffer the most “for the greater good.”

COVID Reason • 614 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Pandemic response Civil Liberties Social Behavior Mental health
  1. People have started to believe that their safety relies on how strictly they isolate themselves, sometimes even turning against one another for not following the rules.
  2. Many individuals are competing to show how much they can sacrifice for others, feeling proud of their suffering for the supposed 'greater good.'
  3. There are some who are questioning the restrictions and looking for balance in life, but they are often faced with pressure to conform and are labeled as selfish.

Culture Shock 2

Obvious Bicycle • 2564 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Cultural observations International travel Language Food Social Behavior Lifestyle
  1. India is much dustier than the US, which makes photos look better in cleaner air. It's something people often mention, but it's really felt after living in a less dusty environment.
  2. Payment options in India, like UPI, are super flexible for various transactions, though Apple Pay can be more convenient because it doesn't require entering amounts or PINs.
  3. There's a lot of SMS spam in India, ranging from transaction confirmations to promotions. It's overwhelming and sometimes feels like you'll get a text for any little thing you do.

No, it's not "the drugs"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2358 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Behavior Responsibility Substance Use
  1. Bad behavior often gets blamed on drugs, but it's important to recognize that the person themselves may be the root cause. It's too simple to attribute negative actions solely to external factors like substances.
  2. Many people falsely assume that everyone has a normal, healthy mindset. This leads to ignoring the reality of personality disorders and the individual's responsibility for their actions.
  3. Understanding the role of personality pathology is key to addressing and reducing bad behavior in society. Blaming drugs distracts from deeper issues within individuals.

Girl Belongs to the World

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2096 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting Humor Social Behavior Child development Relationships
  1. Kids have a moment when they realize they are joking, which shows a shift in their social understanding. It's fun to see their expressions change as they enter this new playful space.
  2. Adults can joke without needing a clear transition, showing sophistication in humor. This helps keep conversations lively and engaging.
  3. As a parent, kids may see you as a tool for fun or food, and they'll get more independent as they grow. Children can quickly shift from playful to serious, showing their cleverness in social interactions.
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This Explains A Lot About Society: The Asch Conformity Experiment

The Society of Problem Solvers • 279 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Social Behavior Collective Intelligence Cognitive Psychology Group dynamics Decision-making
  1. Many people choose to fit in with their group rather than stick to the truth. This happens often in social situations.
  2. Using group problem-solving methods can help avoid this issue. When people don’t see each other's answers, they're more likely to say what they really think.
  3. Working together in trusted teams can help us solve problems better. Just like how single cells evolved to work together, we can improve by collaborating effectively.

Why are Dakotans Not Like Scandinavians?

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Tradition Migration Language Social Behavior
  1. Culture is shaped more by the society we live in than by our genetic background. People can look similar but behave very differently based on their cultural experiences.
  2. Understanding comes from shared culture and language rather than just appearance. Having common experiences and cultural references can create deeper connections than shared heritage alone.
  3. In America, there's a strong focus on race in discussions about behavior and culture, which can be different from European perspectives that emphasize cultural variety across different countries.

Why We Drink

News from Uncibal • 835 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Philosophy Freedom Public Health Civic Responsibility Social Behavior
  1. Alcohol is more than just a drink; it's linked to our freedom. When people try to limit our drinking, it can mean they're also trying to limit other freedoms.
  2. Drinking responsibly helps us learn about our choices and how to live with others. It's part of growing up and being a good citizen in society.
  3. If society starts to restrict our alcohol consumption, it could show a bigger problem. It might mean that people are becoming less capable of handling their freedoms well.

The Hero and other Cultural Characters

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2116 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity Social Behavior Identity
  1. Men often want to feel like heroes and this need gives them a sense of purpose. When they can rescue or protect others, it boosts their self-worth.
  2. Societies need positive hero roles for men to fill, like firefighters or engineers. Without these, negative behaviors can emerge and create bigger problems.
  3. Cultural roles shape how people live and interact. Having healthy characters to identify with is important, as they help provide meaning and connection to the community.

I Live in Minnesota. Let Me Tell You about Tim Walz's COVID Snitch Line

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 793 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Civil Liberties Public Health Social Behavior Political critique
  1. Tim Walz's COVID snitch line encouraged people to report their neighbors for breaking pandemic rules. This created a culture of distrust and fear among citizens.
  2. The phenomenon of reporting on others echoed historical events where citizens informed on each other, like during the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthy era, but here it focused on pandemic-related behaviors instead.
  3. Many reports to the snitch line seemed motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for public health. This reflects how people can lose a sense of personal freedom and try to control others in tightly regulated environments.

How AI Is Quietly Changing What It Means to Be Alone

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1167 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior AI Impact Technology influence
  1. AI is making it easier for people to be alone without feeling lonely. This can be concerning because we may lose the desire to connect with others.
  2. We're spending less time socializing, and our connection to shared experiences is fading. This means we don’t have much in common to talk about anymore.
  3. While it might seem fun to have personalized entertainment and AI companions, it can lead to deeper solitude. We might start to prefer this over real human connections.

Incivility: Dunkin' Donuts edition

Disaffected Newsletter • 2138 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Workplace dynamics Public spaces Service Industry Generational differences
  1. Incivility in service industries is becoming more common. Many service workers seem to have bad attitudes, which affects customer experiences.
  2. Customers often feel like they have to tiptoe around service staff, even when they are polite and friendly. This leads to a frustrating situation for everyone.
  3. Mistakes happen, but how workers respond to those mistakes makes a big difference. Poor customer service can often feel like a personal attack on the customer.

Domestic abuse at scale

Disaffected Newsletter • 2477 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Psychology Social Behavior Public Discourse Civic Responsibility
  1. Domestic abuse often involves manipulation where the abuser takes advantage of the victim. This idea is compared to how governments and media influence and control people's beliefs and actions.
  2. People can internalize harmful beliefs, thinking they should give up their own needs for others. This is similar to children feeling they are to blame for their parent's anger.
  3. Many believe it's wrong to defend their interests, even if it harms them. This mindset can lead to voting against one's own best interests and accepting unfair treatment.

The True Self is the Person You Want Others to Believe You Are

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4053 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Identity Social Behavior Philosophy
  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.

Things to argue about over the holidays instead of politics III

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 937 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Cultural Commentary
  1. It's fun to argue about small, everyday topics instead of serious issues like politics around the holidays. These lighthearted debates can bring laughter and connection.
  2. Questions about cultural differences, like how we enjoy music or food, can spark interesting conversations. Exploring these topics helps us understand each other better.
  3. Discussions about abstract ideas, such as consciousness or the nature of reality, can make for deep and thought-provoking talks. It's a great way to share perspectives and learn something new.

Ravings of a Christmas Hater

Handwaving Freakoutery • 611 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Consumerism Social Behavior Religion
  1. Gift-giving during Christmas can feel overwhelming and stressful for some people. It creates pressure to find the perfect gift while also considering social status and connections.
  2. The holiday has become heavily focused on consumerism and materialism, overshadowing its original spirit and purpose. People often feel rushed and distracted from enjoying the true meaning of the season.
  3. Some people prefer holidays like Thanksgiving that emphasize togetherness and gratitude without the burden of gift-giving. Simple celebrations can sometimes be more fulfilling than elaborate traditions.

frames

bookbear express • 1227 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Relationships Self-Identity Communication Skills
  1. Everyone has a 'frame' that guides how they act in different situations. It's like a set of personal rules for how to interact with others.
  2. Frames are important in relationships as they define how two people agree to behave towards each other. If one person changes their behavior suddenly, it can be confusing and upsetting.
  3. A good frame is consistent and supportive, helping you express who you are while also managing your emotions and impulses in a healthy way.

Vulnerable Narcissism, Conformity, High Heels

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Behavior Fashion Gender Studies Media
  1. Men with more success tend to have more children. This shows a pattern in how parenting and status are linked.
  2. Younger people are divided about canceling J.K. Rowling for her views on transgender issues, while older people generally oppose canceling her. This trend may change society's views in the future.
  3. Women are more likely to wear high heels when they expect to meet attractive men. Their choice of footwear seems to be influenced by their interest.

Mentorship, Chivalry, Promiscuity

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1174 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mentorship Social Behavior Psychology Military
  1. Teams work better when everyone feels safe to share their thoughts, even if they disagree. Open conversations lead to better results.
  2. People today are less willing to stand out and are more afraid of criticism. This change might be due to the risks of being judged or isolated.
  3. In some primate species, females are promiscuous not just for pleasure but to protect their young. This behavior helps to avoid infanticide by keeping males guessing about paternity.

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.

Be Present

The Analog Family • 559 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Attention Communication Parenting Technology Social Behavior
  1. Being fully present in the moment is important, so try to put your phone away. When you focus on what's happening right in front of you, you really connect with others.
  2. Attention is a valuable gift. When someone gives you their full attention, it feels special and strengthens your bond with them.
  3. Kids notice when you're distracted by your phone. Make an effort to be present with them to encourage open conversations and foster stronger relationships.

Invisible Duels

Working Theorys • 152 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Identity Competition Mental health Philosophy
  1. Invisible duels happen when we compare ourselves to others, even if we never agreed to compete. We end up feeling threatened by their success, which harms our self-worth.
  2. These duels are often fueled by social media, where we constantly see others' achievements and feel pressured to measure up. This can lead to anxiety and distraction from our own goals.
  3. To escape these invisible duels, we need to focus on ourselves and what we truly want. Making others less significant and finding our own direction is key to breaking free.

Psychology Links, 1/19/2025

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Self-deception Social Behavior Ethics
  1. Many adults get stuck at a certain stage of moral development, which limits their understanding of complex societal issues. It's important to transition to a higher stage to deal with modern challenges.
  2. People often don't recognize their true motives and tend to present themselves in a better light. This self-deception can make us overly optimistic about ideas like socialism.
  3. Some people are naturally inclined to enforce social norms, which can lead to dangerous ideologies if not kept in check. It's essential to be aware of these tendencies in order to maintain a balanced society.

Feminisation has consequences: I

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1120 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🚌 Education Evolutionary Psychology Gender Roles Social Behavior
  1. Human societies have presumptive sex roles that stem from transferring risks away from, and resources to, child-rearing.
  2. Men and women exhibit cognitive and physical dimorphisms due to different reproduction strategies.
  3. The evolution of pair-bonding in humans has shaped societal roles, emphasizing male dominance and the importance of male teams.

NPCs in the Slop Mines

Kneeling Bus • 205 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Urban Studies Digital Culture
  1. Waiting in long lines has become common, and many people don't even know why they're waiting. This reflects a tendency to follow trends and social media hype without questioning it.
  2. People can develop habits that make them behave like non-player characters (NPCs) in their daily lives. We all have routines, but it's important to be aware of how societal pressures shape our behavior.
  3. AI and the internet produce a lot of low-quality content, similar to how people can act predictably or unimaginatively. Recognizing this can push us to engage more thoughtfully and creatively in both online and offline spaces.

Crash

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Global Issues Social Behavior Public response
  1. Different cultures react differently to accidents; in some places, people look for someone to blame, while in others, they remain calm and help each other.
  2. Icelanders have a very practical approach to problems, dealing with issues like car accidents without unnecessary drama or panic.
  3. When things go wrong, the response in Iceland often involves community support and humor, making light of the situation rather than escalating it.

Inconsiderate Yogi

Situation Normal • 112 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Mindfulness Yoga Self-Improvement Social Behavior
  1. It's important to have personal codes of respect in shared spaces, like returning shopping carts and being on time for yoga classes. Small actions can make a big difference in everyone's experience.
  2. Distractions can come from others, but often our own minds are the biggest distractions. The real challenge in yoga is to focus on being present and mindful despite these distractions.
  3. Wandering thoughts during practice can be seen as a normal part of the experience. Returning to focus is what truly matters in learning to be present.

Why can’t we just skip the ritual?

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Rituals Social Behavior Human Psychology Self-Expression Community
  1. Hypnotism is not magical; it helps people express what they want to do but don't usually allow themselves. It’s like getting permission to be silly and enjoy life.
  2. Many people drink alcohol to socialize, but it's more about feeling free to be open rather than because they need it. Alcohol acts as a permission slip for some to act more social.
  3. You can be fun and social without alcohol or any other crutch. The ability to connect and play is already within you; you just need the confidence to let it out.

Holding on to being human

Disaffected Newsletter • 1358 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Human Interaction Race relations Customer Service
  1. People often experience rudeness instead of kindness in customer service today. Many have become used to being ignored or treated poorly, which can affect how they respond to friendly interactions.
  2. Cultural changes play a big role in how people interact with each other, especially in stores. Different groups can show very different attitudes, leading to frustration and misunderstandings.
  3. Observing these changes in everyday interactions is important. Recognizing the decline in human connection helps encourage better communication and kindness in our daily lives.

Rudeness has consequences

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Communication Publishing Community Standards
  1. Rudeness can lead to real consequences. It’s important to treat others with respect, or there may be penalties.
  2. The author has decided to limit communication to only paying subscribers due to rude comments from some free subscribers.
  3. Polite requests for help are always welcome, but persistent rudeness will result in being blocked from contacting.

Behaviorist Evolutionary Psychology

Dissentient • 452 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🔬 Science Evolutionary Psychology Learning Social Behavior
  1. Behaviorism and evolutionary psychology have different approaches to learning mechanisms and understanding human nature.
  2. Primary reinforcers and punishers play a significant role in shaping behavior and motivation in humans.
  3. Social interactions involve shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment, influencing adaptive goals and responses.

Did this really happen?

Disaffected Newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Urban life Youth culture
  1. A group of joggers tried to cross the street in a way that almost caused a car accident. It seemed like they were trying to get hit, which was unusual behavior.
  2. Society is losing basic public courtesies, like waiting for the traffic light and respecting road rules. Many people no longer follow simple manners in public spaces.
  3. This incident highlighted a troubling change in behavior among pedestrians, with a feeling that some people may purposely put themselves in danger for attention or fun.

The Gonzo Syndrome

Disaffected Newsletter • 719 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Activism Identity politics Urban life Higher education
  1. Many pedestrians act like they own the road, stepping into traffic without care. This behavior creates a feeling that they are challenging drivers, similar to Gonzo's reckless taxi-hailing.
  2. Some people ignore social norms and expect others to accommodate them. They seem to purposefully disregard basic courtesies and often act like their actions don't even matter.
  3. Adopting a confident stance can change the dynamic in these encounters. Instead of yielding, standing firm may surprise those who seek to intimidate and assert dominance.

Ruling Out Wilt Chamberlain

Living Fossils • 10 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Gender Roles
  1. Relationships often have unseen rules, like games, and understanding these can help people navigate dating and social interactions better.
  2. When people cheat or cancel plans frequently, it leads to a game of trying to one-up each other, which can make dating harder and less trustworthy.
  3. Moral rules can be used to change the game, either making certain behaviors unacceptable or even creating laws that benefit some people over others.

The Dialectic of Quiet Quitters and LinkedIn Lunatics

The 21st Century Proletarian • 99 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Workplace dynamics Social Behavior
  1. The modern working world is divided between LinkedIn Lunatics (hustle culture enthusiasts) and quiet quitters (disengaged workers), who both suffer personal alienation and economic insecurities.
  2. Both the Lunatics and the quitters lack class consciousness, focusing on individual coping mechanisms instead of collective action for better worker rights.
  3. The emergence of empowered workers through neoliberalism emphasizes optimizing employability and personal control within the capitalist system, impacting how individuals find purpose and meaning in their work.

America's Unruly

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 21 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Technology influence Communication Human Interaction Cultural Trends
  1. America has always been a lively place, but people's bad behavior is growing. Technology is playing a big role in changing how we interact with each other.
  2. People are losing their patience and face-to-face conversations because of devices. Instead of talking to each other, many prefer sending messages.
  3. Email can make communication feel more aggressive. It lets people quickly share harsh comments without thinking about the impact they have.