The hottest Societal Trends Substack posts right now

Some people now worry that using the red heart emoji means they're supporting a political party, especially after recent elections. This makes them think twice before using it.
Emojis are evolving and can carry political meanings. Different emojis are being used by various groups to express their beliefs or identity online.
People may feel anxious about certain emojis, like the red heart, due to changing contexts. Some are switching to different colors or types of hearts to avoid misunderstandings.

At the World Economic Forum this year, many attendees showed a surprising rightward shift in their views, with a strong presence of pro-Trump sentiments among participants.
A group of young conservative men hosts debate parties, reflecting their deep engagement with intellectual discussions, often in contrast to older conservative perspectives.
Making actions easier or harder can shape behaviors; if antisocial behavior is easy, it often increases, so we need to think carefully about the barriers we create.

Natal-Con 2025 is happening in Austin, featuring many speakers who support having more children. It's a great chance to engage with influential thinkers on this topic.
The cost to attend is high, but it allows for personal interaction with the speakers. This can lead to valuable discussions and connections.
Low birthrates are seen as a lost chance for both economic growth and the richness of life. More births could lead to a more meaningful existence for many people.

Claims about Igbo intelligence lack empirical support.
Nigerians in America show major regression to the mean in education and income.
The evidence suggesting Nigerian immigrants to the U.S. are as bright as White Americans is minimal.

Many young men struggle with growing up and often exhibit childish behavior, like pursuing unrealistic dreams instead of stable jobs. This immaturity can frustrate the people around them.
Men in their 20s often feel a loss of status as they transition from high school or college to the workforce. This can lead to desperate actions, such as trying to date many women to regain a sense of worth.
While their behavior may seem immature, these so-called 'men-children' often have big dreams. They may take risks, willing to fail to find their place, which is seen as a part of their journey into adulthood.

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Generations influence world views and behaviors, shaping and being shaped by the times they live in.
Generations have peer personalities based on the historical location relative to social moments, impacting civic engagement and values orientation.
Generations go through phases like youth, rising adulthood, mature adulthood, and elderhood, each influenced by the social moments they experience, contributing to cyclical historical patterns.

Intellectuals used to have a lot of power in society, but their influence has diminished over time due to literacy changes and the rise of mass communication. Now, it seems like high culture is fading away.
The shift towards democracy and mass entertainment has made it harder for intellectuals to maintain their status. Instead of valuing education and knowledge, people often focus on common interests and easy-to-digest entertainment.
Intellectuals have sometimes allied themselves with outdated ideas, such as socialism, which has hurt their credibility. Now that cultural prestige is less important, those who love ideas can enjoy them without worrying about social status.

Many sexists are driven by fear, not hate. This fear can make people act irrationally and selfishly.
Younger, lower-status men tend to be the most sexist. They often feel threatened by women's advancement.
The most sexist individuals may experience the biggest loss due to feminism, showing that their fear is linked to their own status.