Yesterday we considered what use of time reveals
about our priorities. But how do we decide what
deserves our attention in the first place? Well,
part of the answer comes from what we repeat.
So think about what you watch or read or hear.
And I'm sure you've heard the computer expression,
garbage in, garbage out. When we give the computer
incomplete, misleading, or corrupted information,
Even excellent programming may produce a poor
result. Now, we humans are not computers. We
do not treat every difficult or unpleasant message
as garbage. Sometimes we need to hear the facts
that disturb us. We cannot build a meaningful
life by simply ignoring suffering or surrounding
ourselves only with pleasant ideas. Still, what
we take in each day affects us. News, entertainment,
advertising, conversations, and of course, social
media shape what we notice. They influence what
we fear, desire, admire, and expect from others.
And most of this influence works through repetition.
Yes, one alarming headline may not change how
we see the world. But a steady stream of alarming
headlines can make the world feel more dangerous
than it is. One cynical joke may not cause any
harm, but constant cynicism can make sincerity
seem foolish. Digital algorithms also learn from
the attention that we give them. When we pause
over a post or watch a video to the end or click
on an angry headline, We help teach the system
what to show us next. Our reactions shape the
recommendations, and the recommendations shape
us. We do not need to avoid every source that
challenges us, and we should not listen only
to the information that confirms what we already
believe. We need truth, we need disagreement,
we need beauty, humor, and we need contact with
experiences beyond our own. So instead, we can
ask what each source produces in us. Does it
help us understand something? Does it help prepare
us to respond wisely? Does it increase our compassion
or curiosity? Or does it repeatedly leave us
agitated, suspicious, distracted, or feeling
helpless? So today, notice one source of information
that you encounter on a regular basis. Maybe
it's a news program, a podcast, social media
account, or a group conversation, or of course,
a notification. Whatever it is, ask this. Does
this leave you better informed or merely more
agitated? We have limited attention. When we
choose what receives it regularly, we also choose
what will gradually shape us.