Observed Signal · Jul 20, 2026 · Live Event · Source: Prof G Media · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Inside the Anti-Social Century: Live Conversations on Loneliness
Prof G published an essay titled “Inside the Anti-Social Century” (2026-07-20) that reflects on rising loneliness and promotes related live conversations and paid subscriber content. The post announces a livestream with Derek Thompson at 10:00am ET and a later conversation with Noah Smith at 1:30pm ET (with Ed Elson), invites reader questions to shape the discussion, and notes a paid Deep Dive on the disappearance of social venues and the connection economy available to paid Prof G subscribers. The newsletter also highlights a recurring weekly show, Raging Perspective, hosted by Jess Tarlov and Aaron Parnas. The post is distributed via Prof G’s Substack presence and includes calendar/signup links for the live events.
Publisher-level newsletter announcing live conversations and paid subscriber content; relevant to media/publishing but not industry-shifting for AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Prof G published the piece “Inside the Anti-Social Century” on 2026-07-20.
- A livestream with Derek Thompson is scheduled for 10:00am ET; readers are invited to submit questions beforehand.
- A second livestream with economics blogger Noah Smith (with Ed Elson) is scheduled for 1:30pm ET on Prof G Markets.
- A paid Deep Dive about the connection economy and the disappearance of social venues is available exclusively to Prof G paid subscribers.
- Weekly show Raging Perspective (hosted by Jess Tarlov and Aaron Parnas) airs Wednesdays at noon ET.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“I’m going live tomorrow at 10:00am ET with Derek Thompson, host of the Plain English podcast, Substack writer, and co-author of Abundance....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Derek Thompson on the 'Antisocial Century'
This is a transcript of an interview with journalist and author Derek Thompson about his thesis that contemporary society is entering an "antisocial century": people increasingly choose solitude because digital entertainment is cheap and the physical world is relatively expensive. Thompson traces long-term declines in socializing, dating, marriage and childbirth, cites research linking social connection to happiness and longevity, and discusses economic and regulatory drivers (cost disease, housing supply) that push people indoors. He describes young men as "monks in the casino"—socially withdrawn but taking risky online bets—and argues for public awareness, infrastructure investment, and individual social practice (leave your room, make friends, be interested) as partial remedies. The conversation also touches on moderation vs. optimization in health, generational politics (rise of socialist-leaning cohorts), and the creator-economy shift toward platforms like Substack.
Prof G announces August livestreams and podcasts
Prof G Media published a post outlining a series of upcoming livestreams and podcast-related events in mid-August. Research lead Mia Silverio and senior producer Jennifer Sanchez will host a Substack livestream on storytelling through podcasting on Thursday, August 20 (2pm ET) for paid subscribers. Jessica Tarlov and Raging Moderates senior producer David Toledo will discuss Tarlov’s upcoming book and disagreement techniques on Friday, August 21 (1pm ET); that event will be available on Substack and YouTube. The Raging Perspective show with Jessica Tarlov and Aaron Parnas returns Wednesday, August 19 (1pm ET). A paid-subscriber Deep Dive will feature Scott in conversation with Dr. Jonathan Shedler on the effectiveness of therapy.
Prof G Media Launches Storyteller's Toolkit
Prof G Media is launching a Substack-exclusive content series called “The Storyteller’s Toolkit,” produced by its full team and available to Prof G+ paid subscribers. The launch includes live masterclasses and subscriber-only events: Executive Producer Katherine Dillon will host a masterclass on “Design as Differentiator” the day after publication; Raging Moderates co-host Jessica Tarlov will livestream with Iowa Senate nominee Rep. Josh Turek on June 29, 2026; and the author will hold a Predictions Mid‑Year Check‑In for Prof G+ subscribers on June 30, 2026. The newsletter also highlights the weekly Extra Credit research series (led by Head of Research Mia Silverio) and recent deep dives on storytelling and live sports’ impact on media.
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