Navigating the sea of information in today’s digital age can be a daunting task. Especially when the waters are muddied with fake news and misinformation.
The trick lies not in avoiding the sea, but in learning to swim. And according to psychology, there are people who’ve got this down to an art.
These are individuals who never fall for fake news and misinformation. The reason? They’ve cultivated certain daily habits that help them separate the wheat from the chaff.
So, if you’re tired of being bamboozled and wish to join the ranks of these savvy surfers of information, you’re in the right place.
In this write-up, we’ll explore the 9 daily habits of people who never fall for fake news and misinformation. A guide to keep your head above water in the ever-churning sea of news.
1) Critically analyze
When it comes to not falling for fake news and misinformation, the first habit that comes to mind is critical analysis.
It’s true, we live in a world where information is just a click away, but not everything that glitters is gold. And people who have mastered the art of not falling for bogus news know this fact very well.
They’re always on guard, scrutinizing every piece of information before accepting it as truth. They question the source, the credibility, and even the timing of the news.
People who don’t fall for fake news take the road less traveled – they think, they analyze and they question.
And in doing so, they ensure they’re not easily swayed by misinformation or fake news. A practice we could all benefit from in today’s digital age.
2) Cross-check information
Another habit that I’ve noticed among people who don’t easily fall prey to misinformation is the practice of cross-checking information.
I remember a time when a viral news story was circulating on social media about a major celebrity’s sudden death. It seemed genuine, with heartbroken fans flooding the comment section. But instead of jumping on the bandwagon, I decided to pause and verify.
I searched the internet, checked reliable news websites and lo and behold, the celebrity was alive and well. The news was a hoax.
As Albert Einstein once said, “Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.” The habit of cross-checking information is a powerful tool in the fight against fake news.
This daily habit not only saves you from falling for misinformation but also ensures that you’re not contributing to its spread. A small step towards a more truthful digital world.
3) Acknowledge bias
Let’s be honest, we all have biases. They’re a part of who we are and how we perceive the world. But, the key is to acknowledge them and not let them cloud our judgement.
I’ve learned that people who don’t fall for fake news are often brutally honest with themselves about their biases. They understand that these biases can make them vulnerable to misinformation that aligns with their preconceived notions.
These individuals have taken this wisdom to heart. By acknowledging their own biases, they’ve taken the first step towards preventing them from influencing their understanding of the world.
It’s not always an easy thing to do. But, it’s a habit that can greatly enhance our ability to discern truth from falsehood in the information we consume.
4) Cultivate diverse sources
I’ve always noticed that people who are good at dodging fake news tend to have a wide range of information sources. They don’t rely on just one news outlet or social media platform for their information.
Instead, they seek out different perspectives, understanding that no one source has a monopoly on truth. This diversity helps them to get a more balanced view of events and issues.
As Sigmund Freud once said, “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” In this context, that honesty lies in admitting that our favorite source may not always be right or may not tell the whole story.
Broadening our information horizons is a habit that can help us better sift through the noise and unearth the real, unaltered news.
5) Take a break
Yes, you read that right. One of the habits of those who don’t fall for fake news is knowing when to step away from the information overload.
It might seem counterintuitive at first. After all, shouldn’t we be consuming more information to stay informed? But the truth is, constant exposure to information can lead to fatigue, making it harder to discern fact from fiction.
Sometimes that learning requires us to step back, rest our minds, and return with a fresh perspective.
So take a break. It can do wonders for your ability to spot and resist misinformation.
6) Embrace uncertainty
Life is full of uncertainties, and so is the world of news and information. People who don’t fall for fake news have understood this and embraced it.
Instead of seeking absolute certainty in the news they consume, they remain open to the possibility that the information could change or evolve.
This mindset helps them remain flexible and adaptable in the face of new information.
Embracing uncertainty might seem uncomfortable, but it’s a habit that can help us stay grounded in a world where misinformation is rampant.
7) Prioritize quality over quantity
One of my personal mantras when it comes to consuming news is quality over quantity. This is a habit I’ve noticed among those who are adept at dodging fake news.
Instead of trying to consume every piece of news out there, they focus on a few reliable sources and go deep into the stories that matter. They understand that being informed isn’t about knowing everything, but about understanding the important things well.
As Daniel Kahneman said, “A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”
By focusing on quality and not getting swayed by repetitive misinformation, they stay informed and grounded in the truth.
8) Stay curious
Curiosity is a trait that keeps us learning, growing, and most importantly, questioning. Those who don’t fall for fake news have this trait in spades.
They don’t just accept information at face value. They’re always probing deeper, asking questions, and seeking to understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. This relentless curiosity keeps them from being passive consumers of news and turns them into active seekers of truth.
As Carl Jung said, “The capacity for directed thinking I call intellect; the capacity for passive or undirected thinking I call intellectual intuition.” Staying curious helps us engage in directed thinking, keeping us safe from the trap of misinformation.
9) Practice empathy
Finally, a habit that might not seem directly related to news consumption, but one that I’ve found to have a profound impact, is practicing empathy.
Understanding and empathizing with different perspectives allows us to see beyond our own biases and consider other viewpoints. This open-mindedness can help us detect when a piece of news is playing on our prejudices or preconceived notions.
As the renowned psychologist, Carl Rogers said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”
In the context of news consumption, empathy helps us listen to the information and discern its truthfulness without letting our biases get in the way.
