The Bravery of Saying I Don't Know

I’ve seen it a thousand times. Someone posts a 'receipt' that looks damning, and within minutes, the entire group chat has decided someone is canceled. Then, two days later, the full context comes out and it turns out the whole thing was a misunderstanding or a flat-out lie. But by then, nobody cares. The damage is done, and everyone has moved on to the next outrage. We’ve become so afraid of being 'slow' that we’ve forgotten how to be right. There is a massive amount of power in simply saying, 'I don't have enough information to form an opinion yet.'

We’re obsessed with having a take on everything. It’s like if we don't post a colored square or a witty retort within the hour, we don't exist. But here’s the reality: having an instant opinion on a complex geopolitical conflict or a nuanced legal case doesn't make you an activist. It makes you a victim of the 'urgency' trap. Critical thinking requires the one thing social media hates: time. It requires you to step back, look at the landscape, and admit that you might not know everything. That isn't a weakness; it’s a superpower.

Intellectual humility is the ultimate armor against misinformation. When you stop tieing your ego to being 'right' all the time, you become impossible to manipulate. People who are desperate to be right are easy to lead. They’ll follow any breadcrumb trail that makes them feel superior. But when you’re okay with being wrong—or better yet, okay with learning—you’re the one in control. You can change your mind without losing your identity. You can listen without feeling attacked.

Try it today. The next time a trending topic pops off, don't jump in. Don't look at the comments to see what you’re 'supposed' to think. Just observe. Notice how people are trying to pull you into their camp. Notice the language they use to make you feel guilty for not picking a side immediately. By refusing to play the game, you’ve already won. You’re keeping your mental peace, and you’re keeping your integrity. That’s how you stay grounded when the rest of the world is spinning out.