Aks HN: How not to influence by social media?

  • Breaking the cycle is the wrong approach. I've embraced social media because it can actually be empowering. I've learned to be skeptical of obvious propaganda and also subtle propaganda which isn't so obvious. Try to scout for ulterior motives in a post. `Is this post contributing towards some greater good or is this post done in bad faith?` is a good heuristic.

    Personally I follow, subscribe to uplifting content and all the political flame bait gets the chop. I follow a lot of stoics on Twitter and motivational quotes type accounts that can actually rewire your brain to be more positive in how you look at and frame reality.

  • If you aren't willing to stop using social media, then I suggest cultivating cynicism. Don't take anything you watch or read at face value. Always ask yourself what agenda the people you follow are pushing, and what benefit they get from pushing that agenda.

    Cui bono (who benefits?) is one of the most useful questions you'll ever learn to ask.

  • Don't be stupid, don't follow idiots.

  • Just stop using social media