1. Consume less information

As a researcher and writer, it’s logical to think that more information is always better. But is it really? I used to think the more research papers I analyze, or the more news articles I read, the more informed I’ll be. However, I’ve realized this “more information is better” mindset actually reduces the quality of my understanding. I’ve caught myself skimming and passively reading simply to acquire “more information”.

Hence, I’ve been trying to be more mindful of the amount of information I consume. Self-help experts call this the low information diet. Removing yourself from a constant stream of information means you become more deliberate about what you consume. As we know, quality > quantity.  

2. Consume information slowly 

Author Nicholas Carr’s article expands the neurological changes social media has on our brains. He iterated a 2007 study shows that passive internet browsing weakens our capacity for processing information deeply. This further affects our ability to make careful analyses as well as think critically and creatively. 

Since it’s virtually impossible to abandon the Internet, we can however, practice slow consumption. This applies to what we consume online and any analog material. When possible, turn off all notifications to read a book or article. Go through them sentence by sentence, no rush. You might even jot down notable quotes or facts on your journal – doing so doesn’t just enhance understanding and memory, it’s also scientifically proven to increase creativity and soothe anxiety. 

3. Question and ponder

Social media is the antithesis of reflection. It’s much easier to consume gushes of information and constantly check our notifications – all just to get that little dopamine rush. 

But what truly helps us process information is reflection and curiosity. Through questioning and pondering, information embeds into our minds. It also synthesizes into practical knowledge we can use in the real world.