The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Single Ladies, Paying on Dates, Tinder Matching

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2121 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Gender Books Media Society
  1. Sociometric status, like respect and admiration from peers, can influence well-being more than socioeconomic status, even for introverted individuals
  2. The family structure is noted as a hindrance to central control of social processes in historical Marxist literature. Engels initially included undermining family bonds in the Communist Manifesto draft
  3. Women in their twenties using Tinder are more likely to swipe right for a man with a master's degree compared to one with a bachelor's degree

Ruins in Reverse

Kneeling Bus • 176 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Art Society History Architecture
  1. Redbox kiosks were once popular but are now abandoned after the company's bankruptcy, marking a shift in media consumption. These kiosks symbolize a moment in time from when DVDs were still relevant.
  2. In today's disposable culture, we often ignore waste and discarded items, but abandoned Redbox kiosks visibly remind us of past failures and what we leave behind.
  3. Empty shopping spaces like dead malls and abandoned kiosks reflect a kind of 'creative destruction' in our environment. They serve as reminders of previous use and potential for future change.
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New Zealand’s connection to WPATH, and a few other things that went on this week in NZ's cockeyed world of woke.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Health Society Justice Ethics
  1. WPATH, a global organization that helps set guidelines for transgender health, is facing criticism for not following proper ethics in medical practices. Many are worried about how these guidelines affect treatment for transgender people.
  2. In New Zealand, the professional group for transgender health, PATHA, has not been officially reviewed despite receiving government support. An independent researcher found that their guidelines do not meet common medical standards.
  3. Recent discussions and articles in New Zealand have raised concerns about how language is used around topics like menstruation and motherhood, often leaving women and their experiences out. Many feel this makes it harder for women to connect with important health information.

It's The End of the Media As We Know It

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Communication Society History
  1. Many traditional media outlets are struggling or shutting down, marking a significant change in how we consume news and entertainment. This shift is linked to the rise of digital media and changing audience preferences.
  2. The old media model relied on a single, large audience with homogenous interests, but now people can connect with niche communities online. This is leading to a more diverse and fragmented public.
  3. Writers are now finding their voices outside of big institutions, allowing them to create authentic content for smaller, like-minded audiences. This could change what it means to be a journalist in today's world.

no. 83: like water

let them eat cake • 379 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Food City life Restaurants Urbanism Society
  1. Montreal showcases inventive urban design elements like recycling racks on trash cans and bike parking meters, enriching the city experience.
  2. Montreal's food scene offers genuine and unpretentious dining experiences that stand out for their simplicity and excellence.
  3. Contrasting Montreal's unassuming authenticity, New York's neo-bistrots exemplify a more staged, predictable dining trend, crafting a curated experience that may lack the same genuine warmth.

Extraterrestrial Governance

Skeptic • 42 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Governance Ethics Human nature Society Exploration
  1. As we start living on other planets, we need to figure out how to govern ourselves there. This means thinking about the best way to make decisions and keep everyone safe.
  2. Direct democracy sounds good for a small group, but as the population grows, we might need more rules and systems to handle conflicts. Balancing freedom and order will be a big challenge.
  3. We can learn from Earth's history and societies to create better systems on other planets. Sharing resources, cooperating, and having good leadership are crucial for survival and success.

Pedophiles, Hebephiles, Incels, and Transgenders

donaldjeffries • 1198 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Sexuality Crime Media Society
  1. The term 'pedophile' is often misused and misunderstood, with distinctions between pedophiles, hebephiles, and other types of attractions.
  2. There is concern about the societal impacts of transgender activism, especially in schools and on young children.
  3. There are discussions about double standards and inconsistencies in society regarding sexuality, including issues related to incels and cultural attitudes towards minors.

What's Beyond Neoliberalism?

Castalia • 799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Economics Society Politics
  1. Neoliberalism has shaped our world in a way that many people don't fully understand, but it connects security and markets to help economies work well globally.
  2. There are areas of life, like art and community, where the values of neoliberalism don’t fit, and we can find better worth and meaning outside of market measures.
  3. It's possible for individuals and creatives to live fulfilling lives without being just parts of the market, focusing on personal value and authentic expression instead.

Are you being clear?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1338 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Society Technology Behavior Generational
  1. Clarity in communication is lacking more than ever today. Most people are not as clear as they used to be, and this hampers conversations.
  2. Many people are more self-centered now, assuming others can read their minds during discussions. This leads to vague communication that requires others to ask for clarity.
  3. To improve communication, it's helpful to provide complete information upfront and restate points to confirm understanding. Practicing this can make conversations smoother and more efficient.

10 pm tonight---Disaffected, Episode 161

Disaffected Newsletter • 479 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Society Research
  1. A Democratic city council candidate in Burlington is facing backlash for an accusation related to a racial slur. This shows how political struggles can become intense, especially within the party.
  2. There is a debate about a man who set himself on fire to protest Israel. Some see him as a martyr, while others believe he was struggling with personal issues.
  3. A UK researcher claims that female psychopaths are just as common as male ones. This challenges the stereotype that we often have about violent behavior being mostly male.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

Let's Just Name Every Mountain, School, and Body of Water in the Country After Ken Griffey, Jr.

I Might Be Wrong • 15 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Culture Entertainment Society Humor
  1. Naming landmarks and schools after one person, like Ken Griffey, Jr., could simplify the naming confusion we have today. It might help everyone agree on a common name and stop the constant changes.
  2. Ken Griffey, Jr. is seen as a positive figure in baseball, known for his talent and strong character. Naming things after him could symbolize a better choice compared to some controversial names from history.
  3. This idea of renaming everything might seem silly, but it highlights the ongoing cultural debates we face. Finding a humorous solution could help take the edge off these serious discussions.

If they can see us, they can fleece us

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Marketing Society
  1. Menopause marketing can sometimes be insensitive and ridiculous, like promoting menopause tea with flower pictures.
  2. Society's attitude towards menopause is evolving, but there is still progress to be made in how it is perceived and addressed.
  3. This post highlights the societal shift in embracing menopause and the need for better representation and understanding of menopausal experiences.

Cathy reads books: Boymom

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Masculinity Relationships Gender Family Society
  1. Having strong relationships is really important for everyone. The best part of life often comes from the people we connect with.
  2. On average, boys and men tend to have fewer and less meaningful relationships compared to girls and women. This can lead to feelings of loneliness.
  3. Masculinity plays a big role in how relationships are formed and maintained. Social norms can make it hard for boys to connect deeply without facing rejection.

Blue Eyes, Red Heart

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 1139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Identity Leadership Society Culture
  1. Ancient wisdom can be relevant in modern contexts, like in the movie 'The Warriors' where gangs had the power to change but were divided.
  2. Creating a new ruling class requires a common spirit of dissatisfaction and the ability to lead authentically.
  3. To move forward, there needs to be a synthesis of the best aspects from opposing ideologies and a cultivation of true nobility in leadership.

What makes women strong?

Archedelia • 1139 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Sports
  1. Women in the motorcycle racing sport start young and compete with boys, showing toughness and skill early on.
  2. In the world of dirt bike racing, there is no special treatment or separate classes for women, they just participate and race alongside men.
  3. Engaging in activities like riding dirt bikes can create a different dynamic in gender relations compared to more traditional environments.

Disaffected: Episode 149, December 9, 2023

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Politics Society Psychology
  1. The left has changed a lot recently. It now shows a strong intolerance for disagreement and often reacts with extreme accusations like 'abuse' when faced with differing opinions.
  2. Many people react negatively when you simply ask questions today. Even innocent inquiries can provoke harsh backlash, making open discussions very difficult.
  3. There seems to be a mix of genuine emotional struggle and exaggerated behavior among some individuals. Instead of viewing it as just one or the other, it's important to understand that both real trauma and attention-seeking behavior can coexist.

Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Arts Society Criticism
  1. The movie 'Poor Things' explores female sexuality in a bold and open way. It shows the journey of a woman named Bella as she navigates her desires and experiences self-discovery through various relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Past Lives' is seen as a less engaging film. It presents a story about characters who struggle to make meaningful connections, feeling lost in their choices and societal expectations.
  3. Both films address the complexities of relationships, but 'Poor Things' does so with more depth, highlighting the challenges women face in their journey, while 'Past Lives' feels flat and fails to invoke much emotion.

Sunday Strip: Swamp Monsters-

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Health Media Society Regulation
  1. Some people believe there are bad influences that are hidden, like 'swamp monsters', affecting society. It's important to be aware of these unseen issues.
  2. There's a long history of these problems, suggesting that they didn't just appear recently. Many believe they have been around for a long time.
  3. Understanding these complex issues can help people make better choices and find ways to push back against negativity in their lives.

Our Long National Nightmare of Campaign Style Has Begun

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Politics Art Society Humor
  1. The article examines how clothing reflects the personality and psychology of political candidates.
  2. Candidates are critiqued for their lack of personal style and adherence to a generic, uninspired wardrobe.
  3. The piece questions whether style and personal expression should be considered in the context of electing a president.

War of the Eternals - How the Eloi's Fractionalization of Language Keeps Us Divided

DARK FUTURA • 1081 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Politics Communication Entertainment
  1. Society's discourse is increasingly dominated by short, emotionally charged communication on social media.
  2. The ruling class may be intentionally using engineered misdirection and technological limitations to divide and control people.
  3. Limiting long-form discussions and complex discourse can hinder society's ability to address nuanced issues and regulate itself.

The Frankfurters, again; Talking Jan 6th on TTSGB; Rogin on McCarthy and his Frenemies; Thiel's Esoterica

Unpopular Front • 17 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Government Media Society
  1. The author is set to release a new column in a publication called 'The Last Days of Discourse', hinting at some critical discussions ahead. It's exciting to see new ideas coming out in this column!
  2. There is a new page for the author's book 'When the Clock Broke' available for pre-order in the UK, which is a great opportunity for British readers to get it early. It's cool that the book has the same nice cover but includes extra information for readers in the UK.
  3. The author shared insights on a podcast about January 6th, reflecting on its impact and how people might be forgetting about it. It's important to keep discussing such events to remember their significance in our society.

This Mythological Moment

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Film Society History Spirituality
  1. The Popol Vuh tells a myth about how humans were created and destroyed by gods, highlighting that we've faced similar cycles of failure throughout history. This can be seen today as technology and our own actions may lead to our downfall.
  2. The fires in LA symbolize more than just a tragedy; they represent a decline in American culture and the dream factory of Hollywood, which has influenced U.S. power for years.
  3. An important theme from the Popol Vuh is about the dangers of our tools. Just like the wooden figures were destroyed by their own creations, today we risk harming ourselves through modern inventions and digital distractions.

RIP Richard Lewis

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Television Comedy Media Entertainment Society
  1. Richard Lewis brought a unique, quirky energy to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' standing out with his odd style and humor. His character provided a fun contrast to Larry David's more serious nature.
  2. The show uses clever storytelling, intertwining multiple plotlines that come together in unexpected ways. This structure keeps viewers engaged and makes every episode entertaining.
  3. Despite cultural shifts, 'Curb' remained popular by addressing everyday annoyances and experiences relatable to many. It skillfully balanced humor with observations about life, ensuring it stayed relevant over the years.

When The World Ends, You'll Still Need to Go

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Lifestyle Sustainability Survival
  1. The collapse of modern society could lead to serious challenges, especially concerning basic needs like waste management. It's important to think about how we would handle everyday issues in a disaster scenario.
  2. Many people lack knowledge about the plumbing systems we rely on, such as toilets and sewage. Understanding these systems is crucial for preparing for potential future crises.
  3. Even the wealthiest individuals with survival plans need to consider practical solutions for sanitation. Without proper waste management, fancy bunkers won't be very useful.

Problematic

kamilkazani • 628 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Language Communication Society Criticism Analysis
  1. Using the word 'problematic' in speech can be a powerful status signaling tool.
  2. The word 'problematic' is versatile, conveying nuance, sophistication, and a passive-aggressive tone.
  3. Avoid adding specific details when calling something 'problematic' to prevent an easy escape route for the accused.

Declining Birth Rates Are a Good Thing, Actually

antoniomelonio • 119 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Demographics Society Sustainability Economics Environment
  1. Declining birth rates might seem scary, but they can actually be a good thing. Fewer people could mean more space for nature and better quality of life.
  2. Overpopulation adds stress to our resources, but overconsumption is also a big problem. We have to find a balance and reduce our ecological impact.
  3. Instead of worrying about needing more people, we should focus on improving life for the people already here. Making life better for everyone can lead to a happier, healthier society.

tyranasoraus recs

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Humor Art Writing Society Philosophy
  1. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes we face losses that feel tough, like not winning an election. It's important to keep going and learn from the experience.
  2. Every day, we have the chance to be new and different from who we were yesterday. Our thoughts and feelings can change, even if our routines stay the same.
  3. When it comes to big events, like elections or competitions, what happens in the past can really shape the outcome. Success doesn’t just come from one moment; it’s built over time.

Do you have a nemesis?

Austin Kleon • 1438 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Society Creativity
  1. Having a nemesis can help us understand ourselves better. By comparing ourselves with someone else, we can see what makes our work unique.
  2. It's okay to feel envy towards others; it can actually be useful. This feeling can help us figure out what we want to achieve in our own work.
  3. Instead of letting envy pull us down, we can use it to motivate us. It's about turning those feelings into something positive that drives our creativity.

You live in a world that philosophy built

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 3283 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Science Society History Knowledge Ethics
  1. The Catholic Church venerated Aristotle and opposed Galileo because they trusted ancient philosophy over new scientific ideas.
  2. Living in a world where science evolves, we give more weight to current evidence than ancient texts or philosophers.
  3. Lessons from history remind us of the importance of valuing empirical evidence over established theories.

Life in the Mirrorworld

New World Same Humans • 54 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Simulation Society Research Human behavior
  1. Researchers created AI agents that act like real people by using interviews from actual humans. These agents can predict human responses really well, showing they understand complex human behavior.
  2. In the past, simulating human societies was hard because people's actions are unpredictable. Now, using large language models helps create more accurate social simulations.
  3. The future could have huge virtual communities filled with AI people living their everyday lives. This might change how businesses and governments operate, as everyone will want to engage with these simulated societies.