Whether it is social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. or be it the regular media such as Newspapers, Television etc., there is in today’s world a great deal of opinion and bias that is masquerading as news, facts and truths. Objectively, there is always a grain of truth in all of these. But, quite possibly and highly probably, much of it is opinions and biases.
How to process this mix of information, facts, bias, and opinion?
The two extreme options – accept everything, ignore everything. Most of us obviously reject these two extremes and so do I.
The desire to stay informed and be useful in this world requires me to be open to information and hence I cannot ignore everything.
To the world outside, what I know is of less significance than what I do. And to my own mind, while what I know is important to grow, if I cannot process the information and improve my comprehension, new information adds little value and hence I cannot accept everything.
So where do I draw the line and how do I navigate this changing environment of information?
- Skeptical Filter: Whoever says it and whatever is said, I first ask myself – Is this a fact, an opinion or a mix of both? If it is a mix, can I separate the fact from opinion?
Opinions while nice to read and absorb, are abundant and quite in excess in the world currently. Hence, if it is an opinion, I will take it with quite a lot of pinches of salt. And in most cases, stroll away to the next stop.
- Action Filter: Can I act on this information now?
If yes, this information is useful to pursue further. If not, can I possibly act on this information in near future? Only then is there any need to use my memory for what I am reading. Else, time to keep moving.
For many years now, I have and continue to follow a simple principle before I say something – Ask myself if what I am about to say is going to do one of the three things –
- Bring Peace to the mind of listener
- Improve the knowledge of the listener
- Ask for help where I need something from the listener
If the answer to any of the three is No, I prefer to stay silent unless it is not possible to do so by circumstance. In process, over the years, I might have not said and spoken when I probably should have but that is a price I am willing to pay for now.
And I continue to apply the same to even when reacting and communicating on the social media. In social media, in my experience the filters need to be even more strictly adhered to since the interpretation of what I say is in many cases beyond my control and damage is quicker and deeper.
So, keep questioning, keep taking in only that is relevant and if it cannot be acted upon, it is probably not relevant now.
Run Diaries 