Why critical thinking tatters ….especially today

In a world flooded with opinions, headlines, and hot takes, critical thinking isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Especially when it comes to politics.

But what exactly is critical thinking? And are you actually practicing it?

Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and make reasoned decisions. It’s about moving past gut reactions and soundbites to understand why something is being said, who is saying it, and what evidence supports it. (The “what” is key, here. What IS the evidence?)

And that’s more important now than ever.

The Building Blocks of Critical Thinking

• Questioning assumptions – Don’t accept ideas at face value just because they confirm what you already believe.

• Seeking evidence – What facts support a claim? Are they from credible sources?  “Credible” is the important term.

• Evaluating sources – Is the information coming from a reliable and unbiased source, or is it skewed to manipulate? Faux News’ entire existence is propaganda and manipulation, which is a big part of how we got here.

• Identifying bias – Both in others and in ourselves. But what is the bias? I am biased toward policies that reflect kindness and are against cruelty.

• Distinguishing between fact and opinion – Not every strong opinion is backed by data. But in the social media environment, strong opinions are given the weight of fact, when they aren’t based on any data. Know the difference.

• Considering other viewpoints – Understanding doesn’t mean agreeing, but it can lead to more informed decisions.

Applying Critical Thinking to Politics

Politics can be emotional. Who am I kidding? It IS emotional. It often taps into our fears, values, and personal identity. That’s why applying critical thinking here can be challenging—but it’s also where it’s most needed. Form your opinions intelligently.

• Resist knee-jerk reactions: Before reposting that shocking headline, pause. Who wrote it? What’s their agenda? Could there be more to the story?

• Be curious, not combative: When someone holds a different political view, ask why. What shaped their beliefs? Sometimes just listening with an open mind leads to surprising insights.

• Fact-check before believing–or sharing: Misinformation spreads like wildfire. Use reputable sources (like factcheck.org, PolitiFact, Snopes or Reuters) to verify claims, especially during election season. News media are not reputable sources any longer–go deeper. You are not a critical thinker just because you say you are.

• Acknowledge complexity: Real issues rarely have simple solutions. Be wary of anyone offering only black-and-white answers to gray problems.

• Know your biases: We all have them. Be aware of confirmation bias—the tendency to favor information that supports what we already think—and challenge yourself to explore diverse viewpoints. I see people mistaking confirmation bias for being informed–every day.

Why It Matters

When we abandon critical thinking in politics, we open the door to manipulation, polarization, and disinformation. But when we practice it? We elevate the conversation. We foster understanding. We build bridges—something our world sorely needs. And our policies are more intelligent.

Let’s be thoughtful citizens. Let’s be informed voters. And most of all, let’s be critical thinkers.

Because democracy works best when its people think deeply, not just loudly.