Cutting Through the Noise: How to Cleanse Your Information Diet of Empty Calories.

How to make an audit of my information diet: empty calories, wholesome stuff and some intermittent fasting.

To a degree, we are all a product of our environment, our culture, the people around us and what we consume.

There’s a saying: “you are what you eat” and I would say it’s also the case for our information diet.

Do you start your day with “junk food” — highly processed information and derivates, that may be quite palatable, but in reality are a bunch of empty calories?

Or maybe with something more wholesome, albeit not as easy to digest, that keeps you fed — and nourished — for a long time?

Making an audit of your information diet involves assessing and optimizing the quality, quantity, and timing of the information you consume.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conduct an audit of your information diet:

Define your goals: Determine why you want to assess your information diet. Are you looking to reduce distractions, increase productivity, or maintain a balanced perspective?

• What specific outcomes do you hope to achieve by assessing your information diet?

• How will improving your information consumption positively impact your life?

Identify your information sources: Make a list of the various sources of information you regularly engage with, such as news websites, social media platforms, TV shows, podcasts, newsletters, and books. Include both digital and traditional media sources.

• Which sources do you find yourself relying on the most for information?

• Are there any sources that consistently provide unreliable or biased information?

Assess the quality of information: Evaluate the reliability, credibility, and accuracy of each information source. Consider the reputation of the sources, the credentials of the authors or content creators, and any biases that may be present. Focus on high-quality, reputable sources that provide well-researched and unbiased information.

• How do you currently evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information you consume?

• What steps can you take to ensure you’re accessing accurate and trustworthy information?

Analyze the quantity of information: Examine the amount of time you spend consuming information daily. Consider the balance between active consumption (reading articles, watching videos) and passive consumption (scrolling through social media feeds, watching TV without a specific purpose). Reflect on whether you’re spending too much time on low-value information or if you’re neglecting valuable sources due to information overload.

• How much time on average do you spend consuming information each day?

• Which activities or sources of information are most time-consuming but provide the least value?

Evaluate the diversity of perspectives: Determine whether your information diet includes a wide range of perspectives, opinions, and ideologies. Seek out diverse sources that challenge your existing beliefs and expose you to different viewpoints. This helps prevent echo chambers and fosters a well-rounded understanding of various topics.

• Are you actively seeking out perspectives that challenge your existing beliefs?

• How can you incorporate a broader range of viewpoints into your information diet?

Assess the timing and frequency: This is a very important point.

Similar to intermittent fasting, consider the timing and frequency of your information consumption. Just because we have access to food 24/7 doesn’t mean we should be eating round the clock. And it’s the same for consuming information.

Determine whether you have set boundaries for information intake, such as designating specific times for news updates or limiting social media usage during certain periods. Avoid constant exposure to information, which can lead to information overload and decreased focus.

Make sure there is time for eating, digesting, cleaning.

• Do you have clear boundaries around your information consumption habits?

• How can you establish designated times for consuming information to enhance focus and productivity?

Create an action plan: Based on your assessment, develop an action plan to improve your information diet. This may involve unsubscribing from low-quality sources, limiting the time spent on certain platforms, diversifying your sources, or setting designated information consumption times. Set realistic goals and gradually implement changes to allow for long-term adjustments.

• Which specific changes do you believe will have the most significant positive impact on your information diet?

• How can you make these changes gradually and sustainably to ensure long-term success?

Monitor and adapt: Regularly monitor your information diet and assess its impact on your overall well-being, productivity, and ability to make informed decisions. Keep track of any positive changes or challenges you encounter. Be open to adapting your approach as needed to ensure your information diet remains healthy and aligned with your goals.

• How will you track and measure the impact of the changes you’ve made to your information diet?

• What adjustments might be necessary along the way to continually improve your information consumption habits?

Remember, just like with dietary changes, adjusting your information consumption habits may require time and effort. 

Test things, see what works, be patient and persistent in your quest for a healthier and more balanced information diet. 

What, when and how you consume information can shape your life in so many ways, so you want to have a say in the process.