Discernment
(Lesson 3)
Context:
In the final part of our study on discernment, we’ll explore two additional ways to develop it—and examine why this skill is especially important in today’s age of AI.
Developing Discernment
3. Gather & Evaluate Information Effectively
Research broadly and filter wisely. This means, don’t settle for the first article, headline, or post that confirms what you already think. Instead, seek information from multiple reliable sources—compare facts, look for patterns, and note where credible voices agree or differ. As you gather information, practice filtering signal from noise: ask yourself what truly matters, what’s just opinion, and what’s designed to distract or persuade. The goal isn’t to find what feels right—it’s to find what is right.
Challenge your own assumptions.
This means turning the lens inward. Question your own beliefs, biases, and first impressions. Ask yourself, Why do I think this? What evidence supports it? and What if I’m wrong?
This simple practice builds humility and sharpens insight. People who regularly test their own assumptions grow faster, make better decisions, and are less likely to be misled by others or themselves.
If you already practice this, that’s great. But sometimes it takes courage to step back and realize that a belief or decision you felt sure about might need to be rethought.
Developing Discernment
4. Seek Input and Feedback
Discernment grows stronger when you invite other perspectives. Collaboration and discussion with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends can help you see what you might miss on your own—but only if you’re willing to listen with an open mind.
Sometimes, another person’s insight reveals blind spots or new options you hadn’t considered.
Actively seek feedback—not just from those who agree with you, and not only when things go wrong, but as a regular part of how you make decisions.
Listening to how others see your choices or reasoning helps refine your judgment. Over time, this practice builds confidence, humility, and the wisdom to make sound decisions in any situation.
Group Excercise
Choose three people to present news stories to the group. Using Google or another search engine, have each person find or create a story. One should select a real news event, while the other two make up convincing but false stories.
After each presentation, allow the group to ask questions before voting on which story they believe is true. Then, discuss: What made certain stories seem believable? Was it the level of detail, the confidence of the presenter, or something else? What clues helped you discern truth from fiction?
Discernment in the AI Age.
3. Gather & Evaluate Information Effectively
Research broadly and filter wisely. This means, don’t settle for the first article, headline, or post that confirms what you already think. Instead, seek information from multiple reliable sources—compare facts, look for patterns, and note where credible voices agree or differ. As you gather information, practice filtering signal from noise: ask yourself what truly matters, what’s just opinion, and what’s designed to distract or persuade. The goal isn’t to find what feels right—it’s to find what is right.
Challenge your own assumptions.
This means turning the lens inward. Question your own beliefs, biases, and first impressions. Ask yourself, Why do I think this? What evidence supports it? and What if I’m wrong?
Metacognitive Assignment
How are you doing with your metacognitive task this week? Were you able to identify anyone in your life that you may have misjudged? Did you need to use discernment with any of your friends to better understand who they really are—or why they acted the way they initially did?
Also, take notice of how easy or difficult it is for you to see things from someone else’s point of view, especially when you completely disagree.
Thought of the day.
Don’t believe everything you think.