@ Don't Believe What You Read ... it is ALL misleading

What I mean is ... just about everyone and every business are trying to influence you - BE AWARE!

Every day, we are bombarded with information. Newspapers, websites, blogs, advertising, radio, and social media are overwhelming our thoughts. The problem: they are all not simply informing you or sharing facts ... they are trying to change your behavior. Their intent is specifically aimed at you the public to encourage #1 convince us to spend money or b) change our attitude or position on a multitude of topics they support. So understand,  

• communication is NOT to inform you of something - it's to change your behavior or opinion
• this false and biased information is shared through apps, TV, the web
• you will pay in some way, either through the loss of privacy, cost or convenience. Free is not free.
• take control - listen, verify, and use first-hand information or trusted friends

Some examples:

Social Media Apps - such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Messenger, and others

Many of your friends use these apps. They share stories and information they think are true or cool. If it is something you are interested in and may want to share ...  ask yourself three things 1) where did they read that information, 2) is that source reliable and true, 3) have they shared things before that were not accurate and if so why is this true? If any of these are true - be careful. 

News, Newspapers, TV, and Magazines - printed or online - another source of influence.

There is an adult expression "Follow the Money". It really is a way to remind yourself to ask this mental question - "what does that person, business, ad or article suggest and how will they financially benefit if I agree?" Think about it this way, why does Google offer so many free service? It costs them a lot of money for servers, programmers, etc. ... They do this to make money off of you! How? They sell your info to advertisers, who in turn target you with ads.  Why does Facebook offer free social media ... they can attract marketers to pay them for YOUR information. YOU ARE THE PRODUCT and the service is just the means for them to make money - not to make your life better.

How information is biased - I call it half-info. Let's assume you see a report that a recent survey found that 95% of new car buyers want electric cars. "Wow! 95% I guess that is what I should buy!" You now conclude "electric cars are the way to go". Unfortunately, they do not tell you the survey was taken in a Tesla showroom (where people already decided they like electric cars). Lesson: know the source and follow the money!

So what can we do? Again, Self educate (be aware and read from trusted sources, Understand (identify the source of the information), Ask (what will the source achieve or benefit from if I agree) and Reflect (do I agree with the change they are suggesting and is it consistent with what I and my family believe?). See also Skill Stack.