Think Better or Be Manipulated

We like to believe we're rational. That we make decisions based on facts, that our opinions are the product of careful analysis. And yet, we fall for sensationalist headlines, buy into neatly packaged ideas without questioning them, and think we know more than we actually do.

The uncomfortable truth: most of our beliefs aren’t the result of critical thinking but of biases, emotions, and narratives we’ve been sold. So the question isn’t whether you can think better. It’s whether you dare to.

Your Mind Is Not as Objective as You Think

When you see the world, you don’t see it as it is—you see it through the lens of your experiences, beliefs, and emotions. That’s why two people can interpret the same news story in completely different ways. It’s not magic—it’s psychology.

If you don’t question your own assumptions, someone else will—and they’ll probably use them against you. The pandemic made one thing clear: people don’t make decisions based on data alone. They make decisions based on what makes them feel safe.

And that’s the problem. When emotion replaces reason, we become easy to manipulate.

The solution? Practice constructive doubt. Before assuming you’re right, ask yourself:

• What are my assumptions?

• What evidence do I actually have?

• Where do my beliefs come from?

It’s not easy. But it’s the only way to avoid becoming a victim of shallow thinking.

The Illusion of Clarity

We love to think we understand what we read and hear. But what if I told you most arguments are designed to mislead you?

We live in a world where fallacies disguise themselves as logic. Where arguments like “it’s always been done this way,” “millions of people can’t be wrong,” or “this is part of a conspiracy they don’t want you to know” replace actual evidence.

Don’t settle for the obvious. If an argument sounds too convenient, if it appeals more to your emotions than to facts—stop and question it.

A simple trick: when you read something convincing, try rewriting it as clearly and logically as possible. If you can’t explain it without resorting to emotions or vague statements, it’s probably not as solid as you think.

Data: The Most Powerful—and Most Misleading—Tool

We live in the age of information—and misinformation. Data and statistics can be powerful tools, but they can also be manipulated to make you believe whatever someone wants you to believe.

Let’s be clear: numbers are never neutral. Behind every statistic is a story, an intention, a specific way of collecting and presenting information.

Red flags to watch for when faced with a statistic:

• Comparisons that make no sense (comparing a country's economy to a household budget).

• Percentages without context ("Crime is up 50%"... but from what baseline?).

• Data presented with vague terms like "up to," "as much as," or "it is estimated that."

If you don’t know where a number comes from, don’t take it as absolute truth.

Creativity and Critical Thinking: Your Real Superpower

Thinking better isn’t just about avoiding deception. It’s about learning to create, innovate, and challenge the status quo.

Creativity isn’t reserved for artists and writers—it’s a skill anyone can develop. In a world flooded with information, those who stand out aren’t the ones who repeat data but the ones who ask new questions and think beyond the obvious.

How to develop a sharper, more creative mind:

• Get out of your bubble – Expose yourself to ideas that challenge your beliefs.

• Learn to write better – Because if you can’t explain something clearly, you don’t truly understand it.

• Ask uncomfortable questions – What if I’m wrong? What if everything I believe is false?

• Find the story behind the data – Every number hides a narrative. Figure it out.

Technology and Critical Thinking: A Double-Edged Sword

AI can process data faster than any human, but it doesn’t know what questions to ask. That’s still our advantage.

But here’s the problem: if we don’t develop critical thinking, we’ll become nothing more than parrots repeating what machines tell us.

During the pandemic, algorithms were used to predict virus spread—but also to reinforce existing biases. In the UK, an AI that predicted student grades ended up favoring private school students and penalizing those from public schools. Coincidence? No.

It’s a reminder that no technology is neutral. If you don’t understand how algorithms work, someone else will make decisions for you.

Will You Think, or Will You Be Manipulated?

Thinking well is an act of rebellion. In a world where everyone is trying to influence you—politicians, media, corporations, algorithms—owning your mind is the greatest competitive advantage.

So, choose:

• You can keep believing you’re rational while consuming information without questioning it.

• Or you can train your mind to think better, challenge the norm, and avoid being easily manipulated.

It’s not about intelligence. It’s about courage.