Zoom Out, Zoom In

critical-thinking

Try this today

• As you finish watching a TV show or reading an article “zoom out.” Start by thinking about the information as broadly as you can: What were the key ideas? What was the purpose? Consider why certain details may have been included or omitted.
• Leverage your curiosity by doing more research. If you're puzzled or intrigued by something, avail yourself of the library or internet to find out more.
• Don't be afraid to check and vet sources. What types of sources are used? Is there a variety?
• Beware of biases. Does the overall tone of the program or article suggest bias rather than a balanced viewpoint?
• Slowly “zoom in.” Think more and more specifically about the information: What lessons can I take from this? Were there any themes to consider? What was my favorite/least favorite part? Determine if the messages make sense and align with your values. What does the author want you to take away from the story? Is the goal purely informative, or does the piece try to change your mind?
• Ideally, have discussions with friends and family about news, films and TV shows. Studies suggest that social engagement protects brain health while meeting our basic psychological need for connection and meaning.

Why

• Think big. When you finish watching a show or reading a book or article, think about the information as broadly as possible.
• Be curious. Research the topic online or at the library, and check and vet sources.
• Seek balance. Be cognizant of any potential biases on the writer's part and how they impacted the story.
• Talk it out. Discuss what you've watched or read with someone else to gain additional insight into the work.

 

Watching TV and reading news articles are generally passive activities, meaning your brain isn’t as engaged as it could be. But by thinking critically about the information you’ve just encountered, you can make sure you’re maximizing your time and energy — and benefiting your brain to boot. Critical thinking enables you to see both sides of an issue, to remain open to new evidence that may potentially modify your ideas, to reason from a place of neutrality and to draw conclusions from available facts. When you tap your critical faculties, you move from plodding autopilot to dynamic innovation. Studies suggest that declines in abstract reasoning (at the core of all critical thinking) are linked to an increase in depression. A critical, engaged brain may be one of the keys to happiness.