Social media is both the best and worst thing ever created. In trying to solve one problem, social media created many more. We are more connected than ever, but still more disconnected than ever. The internet contains a lot of value, but we are getting stupider by the day, including ourselves. According to a March 2023 article in Phys.org, online tests found that “IQ scores are declining across all age groups in the United States, regardless of gender.” At the root of these problems is a hidden pandemic that no one seems to be talking about: misinformation.
The digital age and attention economy have paved the way for more information to circulate. Not surprisingly, science, business, nutrition, and human relations all have a stable place in sharing what we “believe” to be true for us humans. Is it because of the digital age? Absolutely not. There are many different games being played on social media and the internet. We are the creators of our problems. Many of us are at odds with ourselves because we don’t have a stance of our own. We become victims of misinformation because we automatically assume that the internet “knows” everything. “If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything.” In a world like this, the only antidote is critical thinking.
Misinformation is everywhere, and USM is no exception. Students believe that the internet forces information on us and makes us believe everything, but some students stand their ground admirably. An anonymous student believes that the idea that “women do not need men to reproduce” is a false ideology. Another anonymous student also believes that “religions sometimes say the wrong things.” He also emphasizes that “we need to believe what we want to believe and understand it well.” I am neutral in all this. The above may be right or wrong, and it’s up to you to understand everything. Otherwise, you risk becoming a victim of misinformation or a victor of truth.
Misinformation can cause not only minor concerns but also unexpected emergencies. Therefore, to combat misinformation, the outflow of critical thinking is selective consumption. We need to choose what we consume so that we can be conscious of the energy that oozes out of us. Selective consumption is truly the gateway to exponential thinking, where the more good you consume, the better you can produce. The more good you create, the better the world you build and the more good energy you attract. It starts with you.
Our brains house a complex symphony of over 86 billion neurons and a pulsating metropolis of over 100 trillion synapses. These features are unique to each individual. Maybe you don’t need to wake up at 5am to be productive. You probably don’t need to drink coffee to feel better. You probably don’t need to consume alcohol to have a good time. Tomorrow will be made from today. Our trajectories are unique, just like our brains. Therefore, your strength lies in being different. Understanding the system is important to avoid misinformation. Find what works for you and stick to it. Natasia, USM ’24 says, “People have reasons for the way they act. If you put yourself in their shoes, it might not be stupid.” Find your reasons and match them with reasons you can relate to.
Critical thinking is critical (just kidding). Therefore, we must question everything. Don’t live in someone else’s reality. I’m not a hypocrite so please filter everything you see and hear.
