I’ve always been fascinated by how people handle information—myself included.

I mean, there’s a big difference between being that person who questions everything and the one who just nods along, taking every headline as gospel.

But where exactly do we draw the line between being a “free thinker” and just, well, believing whatever floats our way?

It turns out that this line isn’t as clear as we’d like to think.

While some proudly wave the “free thinker” flag, they might still be the first to repost a dubious news story.

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering whether you’re truly thinking for yourself or just falling into the trap of misinformation, you’re not alone.

Let’s explore the 10 traits that might reveal where you stand. And don’t worry—if you see a bit of yourself here, that just means you’re being honest.

1) Confirmation bias

Has this ever happened to you? You believe strongly in a certain theory, and when a news piece comes along that supports it, you readily accept it – no questions asked.

But when you encounter an article that challenges your belief, you either dismiss it as false or ignore it altogether.

This trait is prevalent among people who claim to be free thinkers yet consistently fall for fake news.

They are often so caught up in their beliefs that they fail to critically evaluate the information they come across.

Psychologists call this confirmation bias — the tendency to favor information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs, while we ignore or discount facts that contradict them.

Now, all of us are prone to confirmation bias. But the difference is, a true free thinker is always open to new ideas and willing to change their opinion in light of new evidence.

2) Lack of fact-checking

Here’s a personal story that illustrates this trait. I have a friend, let’s call him Mark, who proudly labels himself as a free thinker.

Mark loves his social media and is always the first one to share breaking news within our group.

One day, he shared an article about a new technological breakthrough that seemed too good to be true.

The claims were outrageous, but Mark was convinced because it aligned with his views on the future of technology.

I decided to do a little digging. A quick search revealed that the source was notorious for publishing false information.

In addition, there was no other credible news outlet reporting on this so-called breakthrough. When I confronted Mark with these facts, he shrugged it off, insisting it was truth.

This lack of fact-checking is another common trait among people who often fall for fake news.

They accept information at face value, without verifying its credibility from other sources. And even when presented with evidence of its falsity, they stick to their belief.

True free thinkers, on the other hand, diligently verify information before accepting or sharing it.

3) Overreliance on emotion

Did you know that our emotions often influence our acceptance of information more than logic? This is particularly true when it comes to fake news.

A study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that false news stories are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories.

And why is that? It’s because these fake stories often evoke strong emotional responses.

People who frequently fall for fake news tend to react based on their emotions rather than rational thinking.

A headline that sparks fear, anger, or excitement can draw them in, regardless of the legitimacy of the content.

However, a true free thinker understands the importance of not letting emotions cloud judgment and strives to make decisions based on rational analysis rather than emotional reactions.

4) Echo chamber mentality

Many individuals who consistently fall for fake news tend to surround themselves with like-minded people.

This echo chamber mentality leads to a cycle of hearing, believing and sharing the same ideas, often without questioning or verifying them.

Social media algorithms contribute to this by showing content similar to what you have liked or shared in the past, creating a closed loop of information.

True free thinkers, however, make a conscious effort to expose themselves to diverse perspectives and opinions.

They understand that engaging in open dialogue and debate is an essential part of critical thinking and learning.

So, if your social circle and news feed only reflect your own opinions, it might be time to broaden your horizons.

5) Resistance to opposing viewpoints

Another characteristic typical of people who fall for fake news is their resistance to opposing viewpoints.

When confronted with information that challenges their beliefs, they tend to dismiss it outright instead of considering it.

This unwillingness to entertain alternative perspectives can lead to a narrow worldview and a greater susceptibility to misinformation.

In contrast, a genuine free thinker is open to hearing different opinions and can entertain an idea without necessarily accepting it.

They understand that every viewpoint offers a chance to learn, even if they ultimately disagree with it.

Thus, if you find yourself instantly rejecting ideas that differ from your own, you may want to reassess your approach.

6) A need for simplicity

Life is complex. It’s a beautiful, messy, intricate web of experiences and realities.

For some people, this complexity can be overwhelming, leading them to seek out oversimplified narratives that make the world seem more understandable.

Fake news often offers this simplicity. It presents a clear cut picture, a straightforward narrative, an easy answer.

And for those who crave simplicity, this can be incredibly appealing.

But here’s the thing – a true free thinker embraces complexity.

They revel in it, they explore it, they question it. They understand that life isn’t black and white, and that truth often lies in the shades of grey.

So if you find yourself drawn to simplistic narratives, remember that they can often be misleading. Embrace the complexity instead.

It might be challenging at times, but it’s also the only way to truly understand our wonderfully intricate world.

7) Falling for authoritative figures

Growing up, I respected my elders immensely. They were, after all, the ones with the wisdom and experience.

So when they voiced their opinions or presented information, I took it as fact.

Over time, I realized that this was a mistake.

Just because someone holds a position of authority doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re always right or that they’re immune to misinformation.

This is a trait common among people who fall for fake news – they tend to believe information coming from authoritative figures without questioning its validity.

A statement made by a celebrity, a politician, or even an influential social media personality can be accepted as truth simply because of their status.

Being a free thinker means understanding that authority doesn’t equate to infallibility. It’s important to question information, no matter the source.

After all, everyone, including our heroes and role models, are human and capable of being wrong.

8) Aversion to uncertainty

One might assume that those who frequently fall for fake news are comfortable with uncertainty, given the often speculative nature of such information.

However, it’s quite the opposite. These individuals display a strong aversion to uncertainty.

Fake news often provides clear, definite answers to complex issues, giving a sense of certainty where there’s usually ambiguity.

This allows people to feel more secure and in control, despite the information being false.

In contrast, true free thinkers are comfortable with uncertainty.

They appreciate that not all questions have immediate answers and understand that sometimes, ‘I don’t know’ is the most honest response.

Being comfortable with uncertainty is a key part of critical thinking and being open to new information.

9) Low cognitive effort

Fake news often thrives on low cognitive effort. It presents information in a sensational and simplistic manner that requires little mental work to understand, making it easy to digest and share.

People who frequently fall for fake news often prefer this type of content because it doesn’t challenge them to think critically or question the information presented.

However, a true free thinker is willing to put in the cognitive effort required to understand complex issues.

They don’t shy away from challenging material and are prepared to invest time and mental energy into understanding different perspectives.

If you find yourself gravitating towards easy-to-digest news, it might be worth challenging yourself with more complex content.

10) Lack of media literacy

The most crucial trait common amongst those who fall for fake news is a lack of media literacy.

They often struggle to distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones, or understand the difference between facts, opinions, and propaganda.

True free thinkers prioritize media literacy.

They’re skilled at evaluating the credibility of sources, understanding the context in which information is presented, and recognizing potential bias or manipulation.

Media literacy isn’t just a skill – it’s a safeguard in our information-saturated world.

It’s what allows us to navigate the digital landscape with discernment and wisdom, protecting ourselves from the pitfalls of fake news.

Reflecting on the journey

If there’s one thing I’ve learned navigating the information age, it’s that believing everything you read isn’t the same as being informed.

Sure, we all like to think we’re free thinkers—people who question, who probe, who stay curious.

But the truth is, it takes more than a healthy dose of skepticism to really understand the world we’re living in.

It takes effort, discomfort, and, sometimes, admitting that you don’t have it all figured out.

So, if you’ve ever been sucked into an echo chamber or fallen for a catchy headline, join the club. We’ve all been there.

The key is to keep asking questions, not just about the information you consume, but about yourself.

Are you pushing yourself to think a little deeper, to explore that grey area, to challenge your comfort zone? Because if you can do that, then maybe—just maybe—you’re already on your way to being a true free thinker.

And in a world full of noise, that’s a kind of freedom worth striving for.