The importance of unbiased information in the Age of Information

The Importance of Unbiased Information in the Age of Information

In today's fast-paced world, we are bombarded with overwhelming information from various sources. With the rise of the internet and social media, it has become increasingly challenging to distinguish between what is true and what is biased or misleading. In this age of information overload, it is crucial to seek out unbiased sources that provide us with accurate and reliable information.

How to identify unbiased sources?

Identifying unbiased sources requires a critical and discerning eye. Here are a few tips to help you determine if a source is unbiased:

• Check for multiple perspectives: Unbiased sources often present different viewpoints on a topic, allowing readers to weigh the evidence and form their own opinions.

• Look for evidence-based information: Unbiased sources rely on facts, data, and evidence to support their claims rather than personal opinions or emotions.

• Consider the source's reputation: Reputable organizations and institutions are more likely to provide unbiased information as they have a commitment to accuracy and integrity.

• Be wary of sensationalism: Unbiased sources avoid sensational language or exaggerated claims. They strive to present information in a balanced and objective manner

How to train yourself to see through

• Avoid Confirmation bias:

  You fall prey to confirmation bias when you interpret new information that aligns with your pre-existing beliefs. When you ignore disconfirming evidence about your beliefs and filter out and digest information that only supports your viewpoints, you prepare yourself for a distorted and flawed understanding of reality. Your brain always tries to take shortcuts to avoid the extra processing needed to resolve the cognitive dissonance arising from any evidence that contradicts your viewpoints. It helps to take disconfirming evidence seriously and try to form a balanced viewpoint.

• Avoid Liking bias and Authority bias:

  It is easy to obsessively follow a personality and take their word for it on any viewpoint instead of doing the hard work of digging up yourself. That is when you fall for the trap of liking bias, and the Halo effect plays a critical role in determining your choices. One remarkable characteristic becomes the basis for our perception of other domains of that person or thing. If you feel a person is attractive, you are likely to buy insurance from them instead of someone you find unattractive. Taken to an extreme end, the liking bias takes the form of authority bias, when people start putting blind faith in someone so much so that they consider them an authority figure and slowly lose the power to question the viewpoint of the authority figure.

• Avoid Availability bias:

  The exercise of avoiding confirmation and liking bias becomes fruitless if we only form our viewpoint based on recollected information that readily comes to mind. It is easy to remember only the extraordinary bits of information about a particular topic and form our opinion. Often, decisions are made based on the ease of availability of the information and not on the merit of the source. The mention of Electric Vehicles (EVs) immediately brings up the positive impact that EVs have on the environment, which is a consequence of the constant narrative of positive messaging behind clean energy sources and reduction in greenhouse gases. It would be a failure on our part if we do not recognize the illegal mining activities and fossil fuels-based energy generation to buttress the EV industry.

The role of unbiased information in shaping opinions

Unbiased information plays a significant role in shaping our opinions and perceptions. When we have access to various perspectives and reliable information, we can form well-informed opinions that are not influenced by personal biases or external agendas.

By seeking unbiased information, we can broaden our horizons, challenge our beliefs, and engage in meaningful discussions with others. It allows us to become more critical thinkers and active participants in society.

I learned a lot about biases and effects from the book The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli. Do check it out here.