We live in a time where information is everywhere, yet true understanding often feels scarce. It’s easier than ever to form strong opinions about world events based on what we see online. I’ve seen how quickly people accept and share information without questioning its accuracy—sometimes simply because it aligns with what they already believe or because it comes from a confident voice.

I speak from experience— as someone who has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of misinformation. Having lived through and survived the Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda, I know that words have the power to dehumanize, ignite violence, and lead to unimaginable destruction. But I also know that words have the power to heal, educate, and restore.

I am not here to discredit what others write—there is value in many perspectives. But I do want to remind us to be shrewd. Not everything presented as fact is true, and not every narrative tells the full story. As a follower of Christ, I believe in seeking wisdom, and as a computer engineer, I have learned how to discern between sensationalism and credibility. The Bible itself warns us to be discerning: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)

One of the biggest challenges today is that we often consume information in small, curated portions—short videos, viral posts, or trending news snippets. But no single source can capture the full depth of an issue. Understanding requires effort. It means going beyond the surface, reading widely, listening to those who have lived the experience.

If, like me, you strive to be intentional about what you consume and share, here are a few guiding principles that have helped me:

• Verify the Source – Before believing or sharing something, check where it comes from. Is it a credible institution? A firsthand account? A well-researched piece or just an opinion?

• Read Widely – No single source has all the answers. Multiples articles references, books, memoirs, and multiple perspectives help fill in the gaps.

• Be Skeptical of Viral Content – Misinformation spreads quickly, and AI-generated images, out-of-context quotes, and edited videos can be misleading.

• Seek Truth, Not Just Confirmation – It’s easy to find sources that affirm what we already believe. Challenge yourself to explore different viewpoints.

• ChatGPT – Here’s an interesting one {as a disclaimer, this is NOT an endorsement}; ChatGPT isn’t infallible, but it can assist with research and fact-checking. You can ask prompts like: “Verify if this article is accurate,” “Is this newspaper a tabloid?” or “What are credible sources to learn more about [topic]?” to help assess information and find reliable resources. Approach answers with caution and critical thinking.

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If you are a follower of Christ:

• Read the Bible – The ultimate source of truth is God’s Word. While history and journalism can give us facts, the Bible gives us wisdom. It teaches us how to discern, how to respond to conflict, and how to seek peace.

• Pray for Discernment – Wisdom isn’t just intellectual; it’s also spiritual. Asking God for guidance helps us navigate complex issues with humility and clarity.

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One of the best ways to grow in understanding is by listening to those who have lived these realities. Here is a prompt you can give prompt for a search:

“Provide a list of of reputable memoirs that offer firsthand perspectives on major world issues and conflicts, including wars, genocides, political struggles, and humanitarian crises. Include the author’s name and a brief description of each book.“

Over a decade ago, I began exploring memoirs to deepen my understanding of world issues, history, and geography. I previously shared my reflections in a post titled: A Quest for Knowledge: My Journey to Overcoming Ignorance, highlighting books I was reading at the time. Since then, I have read many more and have several others lined up to explore.

I’ll avoid book suggestions on controversial topics to keep your search unbiased. Instead, use the example prompt example above to find documentaries and memoirs. While we all have biases, firsthand accounts offer a deeper understanding of worlds we may know little about.

At the heart of all deception is something deeper—a spiritual battle. The Bible reminds us that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light:” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Not all that sounds good is true, and not all that is popular is wise. But when we seek truth with humility, when we lean on God for understanding rather than relying solely on human knowledge, we gain clarity.

May we be people who seek truth, who listen before we assume, and who use knowledge to bring understanding rather than division. And may we always turn to God’s Word as our foundation, remembering that true wisdom comes from Him.

Thank you for reading!