While feeling anxious, we may feel the need to constantly check developments. While experts and officials are making frequent statements, the need for all of us to comment on the issue is increasing. It is definitely an advantage that everyone can easily share their opinions, especially on social media. It is very easy to reach an opinion on any subject we are curious about. On the other hand, this is exactly what is called information pollution.
The more information we are exposed to, the better, right?
It seems better to diversify the source rather than getting information from a single source. Our perspective does not narrow as we are exposed to different ideas. After a while, information received from a single source only confirms our own expectations. Today, developments are mostly followed through sources such as television, internet press, blogs and social media. In fact, everyone has their own task distribution among these tools: Some things are followed on television, some are looked at on the internet. This distribution may enable information contained in one source to be checked from another source. At the same time, it creates the feeling that "everyone has a voice."
With increasing anxiety, especially in sensitive periods, many people pay more attention to news sharing. It is good for us to share what we know during chats or through tools such as social media and Whatsapp. It makes us feel safe. Exchanging information may seem like a harmless action on its own.
Why is it important to filter information?
One of the normal precautions that can be taken when there are unusual agendas is to stay informed about developments. In this case, missing news can make us anxious. The possibility of being caught unprepared for that situation makes us more nervous. It is normal for us to keep our eyes open, waiting for new information with fear and anxiety. Meanwhile, we often forget to check the source and accuracy of the information. The fear mechanism can sometimes shut down the critical thinking mechanism. When there is a dog running towards us, our fear mechanism tells us to run away. Other details about the dog do not concern us at that moment.
Our reflex of constantly following the news is similar to constantly checking whether there is a dog running towards us. If there is a real danger, no one wants to be caught off guard. crush.
Could we be sharing fear rather than news?
Especially in sensitive periods (such as earthquake, Coronavirus), we are generally more inclined to look at the news through the lens of fear. If there is information that confirms our concern (which is usually the case), instead of checking its accuracy, we tend to believe that news unquestioningly, with the feeling of "what if it's true?" The information produced during the sensitive period is more likely to be in a format that scratches this feeling more. The language of many news sources is based on curiosity and interestingness, making sensational news sells better than making real news. We see a red text saying BREAKING NEWS flashing on the screen, and sometimes this can be yesterday's news. It seems that the possibility of remaining calm on an issue that we are already sensitive about has become a bit difficult.
On social media channels where everyone acts as an individual news agency, we may be exposed to statements, photos or videos that are often difficult to confirm. Information produced individually and shared instantly can be very valuable, but… Information transmitted from hand to hand (pictures, videos, etc.) is inevitably subject to change and we may not know which way it passes until it reaches us. It usually excites us in some way, and we can get caught up in that excitement or fear and forget to confirm it.
I assumed the examples I gave above were good-intentioned posts. On the other hand, there is malicious, deliberately distorted information. It is quite possible for all of us to fall into such traps.
Why is it difficult to confirm information?
It is already difficult to remain calm in the face of a sensational claim. When we are excited, news (even bad) that confirms our own fears gives us a feeling of certainty. Yes, the dog is coming. We can also participate in that sharing chain with the feeling that if I run away, I have a chance. On the one hand, it is impossible to prove many claims false. Questioning the content of a voice recording that is claimed to be confidential creates a feeling of uncertainty. However, anxiety does not like uncertainty. In this case, it is generally more attractive to believe that information with the thought of “what if it is true”. This is one of the factors that makes conspiracy theories attractive.
It is important for us to diversify the sources we get information from as much as possible. It feels good. Questioning every single piece of information we receive can be a huge mental burden. Accepting all the information we receive without question will cause us to be constantly on guard and tire us out.
An exercise
Take your doubt with you to protect yourself from misinformation. Try to improve this skill.
Remember that not all the rumors you heard before that worried you turned out to be true.
If you doubt the accuracy of an information, at least change the expression you use. Notice how it sounds when you change the expression:
"They told my brother's daughter's teacher's aunt that dinosaurs are walking around in Taksim" instead of "
"It is rumored that dinosaurs are walking around in Taksim" “There is”
The expression may help you stay calmer :)
Read: 0
