We’re living in a time where it feels like everyone’s trying to get a rise out of us, whether it’s media headlines, social posts, or even health and finance “studies.” Learning to spot when numbers are being twisted (or when outrage is the goal) is a skill worth having in midlife. Here are a few simple things that help me:
Look for the source, not just the stat.
“80% of people do X” doesn’t mean much unless you know who asked the question, how many people they asked, and in what context. If you can’t find the source, that’s a red flag.
Watch out for cherry-picking.
Stats can be technically true but misleading. Example: “This supplement doubled testosterone!” But maybe the average went from 100 to 200 in a tiny test group. Always ask: what’s left out?
Outrage is a product.
If something makes you instantly angry, ask: who benefits from me being upset about this? Many headlines are designed to keep you scrolling or sharing. Taking a pause before reacting saves a lot of energy.
Compare across outlets.
If you only read one source, you’ll see the world through their lens. I try to check two or three different outlets on the same story, even ones I don’t always agree with, to get a fuller picture.
Trust patterns over hot takes.
One study, one statistic, one viral story doesn’t mean much by itself. Look for consistent patterns over time. That’s where the real insight usually is.
This isn’t about ignoring news or distrusting everything...it’s about slowing down, asking good questions, and not letting someone else’s agenda hijack your mood.
What tricks or habits have you built to keep yourself sharp when reading the news or scrolling online?
