Andrew Perfors
@perfors.net
Prof at UniMelb. I'm a computational cognitive scientist studying human inference, learning, information systems, culture, and (mis/dis)info. Nerd & opinionated loudmouth in Oz, originally from America, citizen of both. Parent of two. 🏳️⚧️ perfors.net
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Andrew Perfors
@perfors.net
· Apr 29
Anti-trans attitudes have existed for years, but organised disinformation campaigns are increasingly driving them
Disinformation exists across all parts of the political spectrum, but it goes far beyond simple lying when it comes to the campaign against the transgender community, says a University of Melbourne ex...
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au
I wrote an article about the psychology by which disinformation campaigns work, with examples from anti-trans propaganda. It's not just about individual beliefs, but also the way our institutions and norms are manipulated.
Please read and share!
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/Ant...?
Please read and share!
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/Ant...?
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
The value of knowledge is in having done the work. The value of research is in having done the research. The value of a summary is in having summarized the information. The value of writing is in having done the writing.
Learning with AI falls short compared to old-fashioned web search theconversation.com/learning-wit...
Learning with AI falls short compared to old-fashioned web search
Doing the mental work of connecting the dots across multiple web queries appears to help people understand the material better compared to an AI summary.
theconversation.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The value of knowledge is in having done the work. The value of research is in having done the research. The value of a summary is in having summarized the information. The value of writing is in having done the writing.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In an era filled with tech dipshits who never developed emotionally past the age of 13 & use their wealth to become odious monsters ...
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
... listen to Steve Wozniak.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
I really hate it when scientists keep saying that “we need to rebuild trust in science,” because it implies that scientists are to blame for the mistrust rather than the millions of dollars of dark money that have funded political attacks on science in order to advance a far right agenda.
November 19, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I really hate it when scientists keep saying that “we need to rebuild trust in science,” because it implies that scientists are to blame for the mistrust rather than the millions of dollars of dark money that have funded political attacks on science in order to advance a far right agenda.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
November 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
I would like to share something.
A year ago, Trump won and I was furious and scared so I sent a text to a few of local women I knew and asked them to join me at a meeting and invite like-minded women they knew. A few showed up, then a few more. We became a group called The Salon and we meet monthly
A year ago, Trump won and I was furious and scared so I sent a text to a few of local women I knew and asked them to join me at a meeting and invite like-minded women they knew. A few showed up, then a few more. We became a group called The Salon and we meet monthly
November 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
I would like to share something.
A year ago, Trump won and I was furious and scared so I sent a text to a few of local women I knew and asked them to join me at a meeting and invite like-minded women they knew. A few showed up, then a few more. We became a group called The Salon and we meet monthly
A year ago, Trump won and I was furious and scared so I sent a text to a few of local women I knew and asked them to join me at a meeting and invite like-minded women they knew. A few showed up, then a few more. We became a group called The Salon and we meet monthly
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
The CSIRO is to cut 350 research jobs. Important @grogsgamut.bsky.social piece. Read his report. Then I encourage you to contact your local Albo Govt MP. This is insane. #auspol #CSIRO #science #research thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
November 19, 2025 at 3:43 AM
The CSIRO is to cut 350 research jobs. Important @grogsgamut.bsky.social piece. Read his report. Then I encourage you to contact your local Albo Govt MP. This is insane. #auspol #CSIRO #science #research thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
I quit the former Twitter two years ago this week, and I am here to tell you that my online life got a lot better for having left it. In two years I've not been tempted to go back, and I haven't felt any penalty in either career or community for not being there. It's nice to be here and not there.
November 19, 2025 at 12:06 AM
I quit the former Twitter two years ago this week, and I am here to tell you that my online life got a lot better for having left it. In two years I've not been tempted to go back, and I haven't felt any penalty in either career or community for not being there. It's nice to be here and not there.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Is it a threat to free speech when the President of the United States threatens to yank the broadcast license of a channel whose reporters are asking him challenging questions?
I ask because I feel like there used to be tons of pundits worried about free speech. Where'd they go?
I ask because I feel like there used to be tons of pundits worried about free speech. Where'd they go?
Trump in response to an Epstein question: "ABC, your company, your crappy company is one of the perpetrators. I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake and so wrong. And we have a great commissioner, a chairman, who should take a look at that."
November 18, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Is it a threat to free speech when the President of the United States threatens to yank the broadcast license of a channel whose reporters are asking him challenging questions?
I ask because I feel like there used to be tons of pundits worried about free speech. Where'd they go?
I ask because I feel like there used to be tons of pundits worried about free speech. Where'd they go?
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Precisely why AI companies have been working so hard to shove it down our throats, whether we want it or not. They’ve been building themselves a tax-payer-guaranteed safety net.
I say let them fail! AI hasn’t been around long enough or working well enough, to be that system-critical yet.
I say let them fail! AI hasn’t been around long enough or working well enough, to be that system-critical yet.
Google boss Sundar Pichai warns 'no company immune' if AI bubble bursts
The AI boom has been an
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Precisely why AI companies have been working so hard to shove it down our throats, whether we want it or not. They’ve been building themselves a tax-payer-guaranteed safety net.
I say let them fail! AI hasn’t been around long enough or working well enough, to be that system-critical yet.
I say let them fail! AI hasn’t been around long enough or working well enough, to be that system-critical yet.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Men are not inherently violent; some men have learned they can get away with anything because of permissive power structures, and they proceed to do so.
The issue is with permissive power structures.
The issue is with permissive power structures.
November 17, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Men are not inherently violent; some men have learned they can get away with anything because of permissive power structures, and they proceed to do so.
The issue is with permissive power structures.
The issue is with permissive power structures.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
This really needs to be stressed, as it seems obvious Trump is going to let them vote to release it and then pretend his hands are tied.
He’s had the power to release them all along, and still does. It’s just his excuses that are changing.
He’s had the power to release them all along, and still does. It’s just his excuses that are changing.
The second paragraph of every article about Trump freeing House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files should make it clear that he could order them released himself and chooses not to.
November 17, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This really needs to be stressed, as it seems obvious Trump is going to let them vote to release it and then pretend his hands are tied.
He’s had the power to release them all along, and still does. It’s just his excuses that are changing.
He’s had the power to release them all along, and still does. It’s just his excuses that are changing.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
This piece was greenlit and then killed by a British newspaper, so I’ve decided to publish myself instead.
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Trans People Deserve Better
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 AM
This piece was greenlit and then killed by a British newspaper, so I’ve decided to publish myself instead.
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
"There are about a thousand of us."
Yes, because the thing about girls is that they don't stay girls for very long. Which makes them disposable. And which means that men like Epstein need a huge supply.
Yes, because the thing about girls is that they don't stay girls for very long. Which makes them disposable. And which means that men like Epstein need a huge supply.
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 17, 2025 at 12:42 AM
"There are about a thousand of us."
Yes, because the thing about girls is that they don't stay girls for very long. Which makes them disposable. And which means that men like Epstein need a huge supply.
Yes, because the thing about girls is that they don't stay girls for very long. Which makes them disposable. And which means that men like Epstein need a huge supply.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Me when I think about how my lifelong affection for AI as an idea is poisoned every day by the bullshit pretender they are using to ruin everything I love
a close up of a man 's face with his mouth open
Alt: Shatner/Kirk KHAN!!’ scream
media.tenor.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Me when I think about how my lifelong affection for AI as an idea is poisoned every day by the bullshit pretender they are using to ruin everything I love
November 16, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Australia's spy boss warned of a Russian threat — and it's unfolding in real time
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
Australia's spy boss warned of a Russian threat — and it's unfolding in real time
Australia's spy chief has expressed concern about the potential for AI to take online radicalisation and disinformation to new levels.
www.sbs.com.au
November 15, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Australia's spy boss warned of a Russian threat — and it's unfolding in real time
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
www.sbs.com.au/news/article...
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
it's fascinating that you can see when exactly the Reagan revolution happened
November 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
it's fascinating that you can see when exactly the Reagan revolution happened
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
"He quickly became a highly valued friend and regular source of intellectual exchange and stimulation." Noam Chomsky on Jeffrey Epstein. New article catalogues everything we know about Chomsky's friendship with Epstein. Link 👇
www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/noam-choms...
www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/noam-choms...
Noam Chomsky Is a Scumbag
From Jeffrey Epstein to Lawrence Krauss to Woody Allen, Chomsky has shown a clear pattern of poor judgment and low moral standards. Hard to express how disappointed I am in him. (2,800 words.)
www.realtimetechpocalypse.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:01 PM
"He quickly became a highly valued friend and regular source of intellectual exchange and stimulation." Noam Chomsky on Jeffrey Epstein. New article catalogues everything we know about Chomsky's friendship with Epstein. Link 👇
www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/noam-choms...
www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/noam-choms...
Something I've thought before but dismissed internally as too uncharitable but I'm having a hard time dismissing now:
I wonder how many people who rail against "cancel culture" do so because they know they've done things that would (rightfully) mean they lose their jobs and reputations? 🤔
I wonder how many people who rail against "cancel culture" do so because they know they've done things that would (rightfully) mean they lose their jobs and reputations? 🤔
November 15, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Something I've thought before but dismissed internally as too uncharitable but I'm having a hard time dismissing now:
I wonder how many people who rail against "cancel culture" do so because they know they've done things that would (rightfully) mean they lose their jobs and reputations? 🤔
I wonder how many people who rail against "cancel culture" do so because they know they've done things that would (rightfully) mean they lose their jobs and reputations? 🤔
So true. I went down a bit of a rabbit hole last night going through the files and there are over two dozen scientists in there (in non-trivial ways) I've heard about or known personally
Always people I'd already figured were creeps or at least didn't respect them much, but still.. OVER TWO DOZEN.
Always people I'd already figured were creeps or at least didn't respect them much, but still.. OVER TWO DOZEN.
It is slightly weird being/having been in a field so adjacent to Epstein's idle interests that names of scientists you've been in rooms with are suddenly on uncomfortable lists.
November 14, 2025 at 11:41 PM
So true. I went down a bit of a rabbit hole last night going through the files and there are over two dozen scientists in there (in non-trivial ways) I've heard about or known personally
Always people I'd already figured were creeps or at least didn't respect them much, but still.. OVER TWO DOZEN.
Always people I'd already figured were creeps or at least didn't respect them much, but still.. OVER TWO DOZEN.
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
so i have an idea for powering the data centers...you know how like, human bodies are kinda like batteries and we store a bunch of energy? and you know how humans are kind of our own worst enemy? ok so hear me out
November 14, 2025 at 10:04 PM
so i have an idea for powering the data centers...you know how like, human bodies are kinda like batteries and we store a bunch of energy? and you know how humans are kind of our own worst enemy? ok so hear me out
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
I'm guessing this might actually be useful as a negatively weighted part of a training set. Nice of them to curate a corpus of how to be a dick
Preprint w/ (rapid) analysis of Grokipedia, showing it to be “highly derivative of Wikipedia”, but differing, often on controversial topics, in that Grokipedia includes content/cites from low quality (hyper partisan & conspiracy laden) sources like Stormfront & Infowars. arxiv.org/pdf/2511.09685
arxiv.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I'm guessing this might actually be useful as a negatively weighted part of a training set. Nice of them to curate a corpus of how to be a dick
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
They were actually friends who visited each other, as far as I can tell
November 14, 2025 at 12:23 PM
They were actually friends who visited each other, as far as I can tell
Reposted by Andrew Perfors
Spent too much time on this just now, but it's clear ol' Jeff and Noam were pretty good friends and they spent a bunch of time visiting with each other well into 2019 👀
ew
splendorous-chaja-f79791.netlify.app
ew
splendorous-chaja-f79791.netlify.app
Epstein Document Search
splendorous-chaja-f79791.netlify.app
November 14, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Spent too much time on this just now, but it's clear ol' Jeff and Noam were pretty good friends and they spent a bunch of time visiting with each other well into 2019 👀
ew
splendorous-chaja-f79791.netlify.app
ew
splendorous-chaja-f79791.netlify.app