Information diets
June 23, 2026
An information diet is the conscious practice of curating the volume, quality, and sources of information you consume. Much like food, information can be "nutritious" or "junk," and overconsumption leads to cognitive overload, anxiety, and shallow thinking.
Key Principles
• Selectivity: Prioritize original sources (like bills or research reports) rather than passive, algorithmically curated feeds.\
• Moderation: Limit the total time spent consuming media to prevent information fatigue.\
• Nutrient Density: Consume facts and long-form analytical content rather than superficial "junk" headlines.
How to Build Your Diet
1. Audit your intake: Use built-in device features like Apple Screen Time or Android Digital Wellbeing to track which apps dominate your attention.
2. Read primary sources: Don't rely on summaries or op-eds; dig into the original research or official documents whenever possible.
3. Mute toxic triggers: Actively mute accounts or block sites that induce doomscrolling or prioritize outrage over facts.
4. Diversify flavors: Go beyond your comfort zone and seek verified, opposing viewpoints to avoid echo chambers.
Why It Matters
A deliberate information diet is essential for mental health, cognitive function, and critical thinking in an era of digital abundance
