In general, why do we hate liars, and fear snakes? Why are men so competitive? Why are women so verbally inclined?

Evolutionary psychology attempts to explain human psychological qualities in terms of their ancient advantages. In other words, which dispositions, traits, and impulses helped our ancestors survive, compounded over time, and came to shape the modern man? Today, through the lens of this fascinating field of study, a journey through one of the great questions of our time: why do women give each other such absolutely terrible advice in online forums?

Diana S. Fleischman is an evolutionary psychologist and author, and writes at her Substack Dissentient. She guests today for Pirate Wires with a great new dispatch from the intersection of human culture and technology.