Reclaiming Our Mornings (and Minds) in the Digital Age

Mariam Ali
Sep 8, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 6

For a few seconds after waking up, I'm suspended in a brief period of bliss—a short relief from the flood of information that crowds my thoughts daily.

That peaceful interlude is cut short, and chaos unravels once I reach for my phone. I am prompted by a stream of notifications back into the whirlwind of my digital habits.

Social media platforms are hubs for social connection and informing the masses. However, it's likely the algorithms powering these platforms have the potential to result in "filter bubbles", strengthening biases and narrowing exposure to diverse viewpoints.

In a time when knowledge is superabundant and often overwhelming, using critical thinking skills is fundamental. Yet, a fundamental question arises: How can we critically examine content without biases clouding our judgment? How do we differentiate credible sources from misleading ones?

Read on to learn about the steps to combat the challenges of the digital age:

So, it is essential to follow these steps to combat challenges posed by the digital age:

Verify Sources

Don't be fooled by a shiny website: Does the article or website have an author or are they anonymous? If they cannot be identified, be wary as it has little credibility.
Check the publication date: Outdated information is like a stale donut on the shelf. It still may be edible, but that's not necessarily accurate.
Look for Citations: Does the piece of writing have citations of its sources for evidence?
Consider the Publication's Reputation and Credibility: Is the publication widely regarded as accurate and trustworthy?

Be Skeptical

Question Sensational Headlines: Headlines are often designed to draw our attention, so be careful of sensational or dramatic claims!
Consider the Source's Motive: Is the source persuading you to buy its products or to agree with a popular perspective now?

Cross Reference

Get Information from Multiple Sources: Don't depend on only one source for information. Cross-reference the data with other authentic sources as well.
Compare Perspectives: Consider opposing viewpoints on the same topic. It's like looking at a puzzle from different angles - you might see something new.

Fact Check

Use Credible Fact-Checking Sources: Some sites that are preferred for fact-checking include FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact.com, are regarded as the Mythbusters of the internet.

Engage in Meaningful Discussion

Ask Questions: If something doesn't make sense, seek more information. Participating in open dialogue may reveal new insights that are not as directly noticeable.
Be Respectful: Even when disagreeing, maintain a civilized conversation and avoid using personal attacks.

Educate yourself, stay curious, and be skeptical as far as it may go. Adopting a Sherlock Holmes mindset is the most effective means of avoiding the misinformation plague!