Knowledge brings understanding; understanding reduces fear and anxiety. Understand the value of information that is important to your life; use that understanding to make your own decisions. Do not let others make important decisions for you!
To gain understanding, to reduce fear, try these guidelines —
Seek information, not affirmation: understand the algorithm-driven thought bubble of social media; social media can surround you with people who share many of your opinions. That may seem comforting, but true understanding of an issue or topic may require breaking that bubble and going outside your comfort zone.
Source + Motivation = Value: always go to the original source of the information, if you can. And, think about the context in which that information was produced; what was the motivation of the people who ultimately created that information–commercial, political, religious, etc.? You can decide for yourself the real value of that information.
Dig deeper–do not rely on just one source of information: in order to understand, look for evidence that supports and contradicts a finding, an analysis, an assertion. Seek opinions other than your own.
See a list of questions to help you think about the value of information important to your life (Kevin Engel, August 27, 2018).
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