Venture Capitalist Ruxandra Teslo Raises Alarm on "Fake Studies" in Quantitative Social Science

Venture capitalist and prominent tech commentator Ruxandra Teslo has voiced sharp criticism regarding the integrity of certain academic research, specifically targeting what she describes as "fake studies in a fake field" within quantitative social science. Her remarks, shared on social media, underscore a growing skepticism towards the rigor and objectivity of some academic outputs.

Teslo stated her concerns after reviewing a particular paper, noting its perceived lack of authenticity. "I finally read the paper in question & the funniest thing is that we are all arguing about a fake study in a fake field," Teslo wrote in her tweet. This statement highlights a broader critique often leveled against segments of academia.

Her commentary extends to a general caution against uncritically accepting quantitative social science research. Teslo advised, "1111th reminder to not take any 'quantitative social science' study (Econ is often fine) at face value." This distinction suggests a perceived difference in methodological robustness between economics and other quantitative social science disciplines.

Teslo further linked her observations to the concept of "the Cathedral," a term popularized by writer Curtis Yarvin. This term typically refers to a perceived intertwined and ideologically unified academic, media, and institutional establishment. Teslo remarked that the situation she observed was "In some ways the worst of the Cathedral that Curtis hates," implying a systemic issue within academic institutions.

The critique from figures like Teslo reflects ongoing debates within academia and public discourse concerning research integrity, reproducibility, and potential biases in social science. While no specific study was named in her public statement, her comments contribute to a broader conversation about the standards and trustworthiness of scholarly work.