The following media literacy tip is from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Washington. Dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League works to expand public knowledge and understanding of media literacy and news education as both are key to developing healthy, civically engaged communities.
Critical thinking is essential for civic health because it enables you to draw sound conclusions and make informed choices.
Using critical thinking to analyze information takes five steps:
- Ask questions.
- Gather relevant information.
- Think through solutions and conclusions.
- Consider alternative systems of thought.
- Communicate effectively.
The hardest parts of critical thinking include admitting when you’re wrong or don’t know the answer and preventing emotions or a gut reaction from influencing your thinking. That’s because our brains don’t automatically practice critical thinking.
Our brain has two systems. The System 1 brain is fast, subconscious, automatic, useful for everyday decisions and error prone. System 2 is slow, conscious, requires effort, helps with complex decision-making and is reliable.
Critical thinking is the practice of engaging the System 2 brain.
Learn more about your two-system brain in The Decision Lab.