Let’s start with the conditions that humans and AI are generating large amounts of information, and not all of this information is true.
Assuming these conditions, it stands to reason that you need to decide which information you should consume, and which you should not consume.
In essence, you need to protect your mind, your limited attention span, and your cognitive load. Using a radio analogy, focus more on the signal, not the noise.
To achieve this, here are two considerations:
1. When beginning to consume information, ask yourself whether it is worth your time or not. For example, I’ve stopped many YouTube videos after quickly realizing that the content was nonsense, completely non-constructive, or simply unworthy of my time.
This is not to say that all content must be informational. Entertainment can be incredibly useful for creative pursuits.
2. Occasionally go on an information diet, in the same way that you would go on a food diet. We should be equally mindful about what we feed our minds.
When we are not consuming new information, our brains are able to relax and analyze previously digested information.
The takeaway
Treat your attention as currency. It’s valuable, so protect it.