It's important to know how to select information.

(Baonghean) - In recent years, media channels have developed rapidly, giving readers the right to choose their own information channels without any restrictions, as long as they find them appealing and convenient. However, this proliferation of information channels has brought about undesirable impacts on society and on those who receive the information. If readers do not know how to choose, it can easily lead to information overload and misinformation. In a world full of diverse information, including many forms of information that are distorted or even fabricated, the intelligence and discernment to choose information becomes crucial and decisive.

Anyone who enjoys Andersen's fairy tales surely knows the story "A True Story." It tells of a hen preening her feathers and losing one, but at the end of the story, that feather has transformed into five hens who died of love!

With the proliferation of online newspapers and personal information pages, many individuals and interest groups are exploiting them to spread distorted personal ideologies, or to deceive and misappropriate information, thus corrupting social morality. Vague information, lacking evidence, or merely subjective assessments are easily posted online, further exacerbating already chaotic information. Therefore, filtering accurate and reliable information from this chaotic sea of ​​information is crucial.

Some people process information using both their emotions and intellect, making it easy for them to categorize the types of information they receive. However, many others process information purely through emotions, sometimes even with a vivid imagination, making them easily misled and susceptible to information influencing their behavior and thoughts—or, more accurately, being controlled by the information itself.

The famous quote by the ancient philosopher René Descartes, "I think, therefore I exist," is a shortened version of his own statement, "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I exist." Mencius also said, "If you believe everything in books, it's better not to read at all." Psychology also states that "Doubt is the foundation of belief." Therefore, doubt is the first essential element when receiving information. One must know how to doubt, how to ask insightful questions to select authentic information, in order to find the necessary meaning within that information. Reputable online newspapers with authority and clear principles usually have stricter information censorship before publication. However, conversely, many online newspapers publish any information they can get their hands on, as long as it attracts more visitors; the more sensational and forceful the language, the more they exploit it. The element of truth is only a secondary factor for newspapers like this. Therefore, careful consideration and caution are essential for readers when faced with such information.

Today, the internet has become an indispensable part of life. Its connectivity is very high, and its reach is even greater. However, not everyone can utilize the internet in the most reasonable and appropriate way. It is thought that, just like choosing goods, the more discerning readers or consumers are, the more thoroughly they research the origin and effects of a product, the greater their chances of owning a good product. Each person should cultivate the ability to choose information wisely, ensuring they receive authentic information that is beneficial to their lives, avoiding being exploited or lured into harmful activities that could even harm others, society, and national interests.

Don't let things get unnecessarily complicated like the fairy tale "A True Story" by the famous writer Andersen from the distant land of Denmark.

Phuong Ngoc