How to Know What You Can Believe

I am sorry to say that this post includes a harsh dose of reality, which is: Not everything you see and read on the internet is true. I know that’s shocking for some of you, perhaps especially so for those who live life according to the gospel of TikTok. Someone recently explained to me that TikTok isn’t the internet, it’s an app. Apple allows it in their App Store. So, you know all the info on it is right.

So I was pretty much put in my place. 🥴

Knowing what to believe in today’s information-rich environment can be challenging. In the end people will believe what they want to believe. Many people look for “evidence” to support the position they already hold. And there is plenty of that so-called evidence to support literally any position, no matter how far off the beaten path it may be.

But if you’re interested in growing, it’s possible to use the never-ending stream of information on the internet to do that as well. Here are several key strategies to help discern credible information from misinformation.

• Evaluate the source.

⁃ Reputation: Consider the reputation of the source. Established and respected institutions, news outlets, and academic journals are generally more reliable.

⁃ Author Credentials: Check the qualifications and expertise of the author. Experts in the field are more likely to provide accurate information.

⁃ Affiliations: Be aware of the affiliations and potential biases of the source. Such sources may have strong ideologies or financial motives. They may present information in a biased way.

• Cross-Verification.

⁃ Multiple Sources: Look for information that’s corroborated by multiple independent sources. Consistency across various reputable sources increases credibility.

⁃ Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Whenever possible, refer to primary sources (original documents, direct evidence) rather than secondary sources (interpretations, summaries).

• Check for bias.

⁃ Content Analysis: Assess whether the content is presenting a balanced view or if it seems to have a particular agenda. Extreme language or one-sided arguments often indicate bias.

⁃ Fact vs. Opinion: Distinguish between factual reporting and opinion pieces. Facts should be supported by evidence, while opinions are subjective interpretations.

• Analyze the Evidence.

⁃ Supporting Data: Reliable information should be backed by data, research, and credible references. Scrutinize the quality of the evidence presented.

⁃ Logical Consistency: Ensure that the information is logically coherent and consistent with established knowledge. Beware of information that requires accepting unlikely or contradictory premises.

• Consider the context.

⁃ Historical and Cultural Context: Understand the broader context in which the information is presented. This includes historical background, cultural factors, and current events.

⁃ Purpose and Intent: Reflect on the purpose of the information. Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something? Understanding intent can reveal potential biases.

• Use critical thinking.

⁃ Question Assumptions: Don’t take information at face value. Question underlying assumptions and seek to understand the reasoning behind claims.

⁃ Identify Fallacies: Be aware of common logical fallacies and rhetorical techniques that can be used to mislead or manipulate.

• Seek expert opinion.

⁃ Consult Experts: When in doubt, seek the opinion of experts in the field. They can provide insights that are based on extensive knowledge and experience.

⁃ Expert Consensus: Consider the consensus among experts. While individual experts may have differing opinions, a strong consensus usually indicates a reliable conclusion.

• Stay informed and updated.

⁃ Continuous Learning: Stay informed about developments in various fields. This helps in understanding new information in the context of existing knowledge.

⁃ Adapt and update your beliefs: Be willing to revise your beliefs in light of new, credible information. Flexibility in thinking is crucial for staying accurate and well-informed.

I try to get as much information from as wide a variety of sources as possible. Many of the sources I have an absolute bias against. But sometimes they say something that will make me rethink my position. Sometimes I may even discover I’ve been wrong about something.

I think the real key to knowing what you can believe is to question everything you see and hear. By using the strategies I’ve outlined, you can get better at telling credible information from misinformation. This will let you have more accurate beliefs.

In the polarized world we live in it is vital that we believe what is true and reject what isn’t. That’s up to each of us. I would never dare to tell anyone what to believe. But, I would strongly encourage everyone to ensure that what they believe is believable.