We live in an age of information, but having access to vast amounts of information doesn’t make truth any more accessible. Whether it’s politics, science, technology, social issues, health, or any other topic, the truth remains elusive.

The abundance of information online has made it even harder to find the truth because of the sheer volume of misinformation.

Mainstream Media Misinformation

When I say misinformation, I don’t just mean information that disagrees with mainstream outlets. In fact, the mainstream media often spreads misinformation, and this is worse because it’s intentional.

Ordinary people may get things wrong, but at least they believe in what they’re saying. However, misinformation from major media outlets is often driven by the vested interests of those funding them—whether it’s pharmaceutical companies shaping health news, big food companies influencing nutrition information, or government officials dictating political coverage.

Misinformation Isn’t an Intelligence Problem

Knowing the truth about anything that matters is incredibly difficult, and it’s not a matter of intelligence. The web of information is not designed to help you find the truth. With the overwhelming complexity of our world, it’s almost impossible to know or live by the truth.

If you’re trying to figure out the right thing to eat, the most ethical company, or which political party to support, you’ll be met with conflicting information from seemingly authoritative sources.

For example, you’ll find research claiming alcohol in moderation is healthy and research stating that any amount of alcohol is harmful. The same goes for other topics—such as the safety of mRNA vaccines—where authoritative sources contradict each other.

The Solution?

So how can you find the truth? Here’s the harsh reality: You can’t.

What you can do is get closer to it.

But where do you begin? Should you follow a particular news outlet, read books, scroll through Twitter, or check out Substack? There’s no single source of truth.

The quest for truth is for those willing to put in the effort. If you’re content with an easy, carefree life, then forget about it. But if you're aware and ready to work, here’s what you can do.

First, trust your own common sense and observations over what you read in the media or hear from experts. Second, find people who have a track record of predicting things accurately. The internet is full of voices on platforms like 𝕏 (Twitter) and YouTube, but you need to pick a few that seem credible—including ones who challenge your thinking, not just those you agree with. These people would often—but not always—challenge the mainstream narrative even at the risk of being vilified as ‘conspiracy theorists’. Follow them for a while and see if their insights hold true in your own experience. If they consistently prove right over time, keep following them.

Over the years, you’ll filter out voices that mislead or fail to deliver accurate predictions. You’ll gradually build a small group of individuals—perhaps 5 to 10 people across different fields—who consistently get things right. These individuals will lead you to others who are equally credible, and over time, you’ll develop a network of reliable figures to help you get closer to the truth.

If this sounds like too much effort, then maybe you’re not cut out for the pursuit of truth. In that case, you can continue following mainstream media and live in your la-la-land. But if you truly care about the truth, this is the long and arduous path you’ll need to follow.