Go to a coffee shop, and its lurking just beside the cash register in paper form.
Open your favorite social media app and, yep, its there too.
News is literally everywhere.
Getty Images, Design by Channing Smith
And weve still got months to go.
Yes, there is a right and wrong way to consume the news.
And its getting harder as technology advances, Friesem said.
Friesem isnt alone in this assessment.
Its critical now to stop and think about what you just read.
Reflect on whether you agree with it because you want to believe it or because its actually true.
And, as Friesem added, its essential to also see how it makes you feel.
Does it make you angry or upset?
Thats likely on purpose.
Thats the first thing that you should be suspicious about.
It doesnt mean that its untrue.
That goes for regular consumers who find information online.
Dont just look at the content.
Also, look at the source of the information.
There can be those same techniques used with mis- and disinformation.
Read Laterally
Not feeling confident about what you just read?
But, as Friesem added, take a stab at confirm these differing sources also come from differing perspectives.
Because journalists are people too and coming from their own point of view and agenda.
Change Your Screen Color
Still feeling like youre susceptible to believe anything you read?
Try changing your font or screen color, which puts you into literally a different state of mind.
My advice and my personal technique is to find a go-to resource.
Some of them are next day, the beginning of the day.
Some of them are at the end of the day.
Its just a matter of taking a breath and not believing everything you see online.
