Technology is responsible for the immense connectedness within populations across the globe. The vast spread of information has made education readily available for all of those interested in expanding their academic horizons. The way of life in countries that are a 14-hour flight away can be experienced with a few clicks. For those learning a foreign language, it is effortless to practice with a native speaker in another country from your computer through sites such as “wespeke.” The advantages of technological advances in the realm of communication have been monumental in recent decades. However, these advances have triggered a great circulation of misinformation that is continuously spreading with equal (and arguably greater) velocity.

Individuals have purposely shared absurd articles with provocative titles on social media to test their audience’s gullibility. A great number of followers liked or commented on the article, despite the article’s content not matching the title and just being plain ridiculous. Obviously, many did not bother to read the article before liking or commenting on it, and allowed themselves to be swayed by the mere title. Ironically, we live in the Digital Age, in which information is readily available and the content of the faux article shared was only a click away.

Unfortunately, it is not sufficient to just read all articles that come your way. It is vital to conduct your personal research, check credentials, confirm sources cited, etc. It is essential for parents, teachers, medical professionals, and all who play an active role in the life of children to document themselves on the latest findings to better raise, teach, and treat the future members of our society. In fact, it is essential for all members of society to better document themselves on all aspects of life and stay current with the scientific community’s latest work.

This is a call for the widespread use of research and the continuous expansion of the most updated and accurate information available. If the information you receive is based on a study, ensure that it was published in a peer-reviewed journal and that the study itself was conducted properly. Prior to implementing a recommendation, verify the credentials of the original source to verify they are qualified on the subject. Become a skeptic!