## Step 3. Your confirmation bias and filter bubble

If you come across information that confirms your own opinion you will probably assume it is true without much hesitation, right? Note that this makes you less able to judge information objectively and makes you an easy target to be influenced.

How can you prevent this? By becoming aware of your confirmation bias and by breaking through your filter bubble!

##### Your identity and prejudices: Who are you and what are your opinions?

Consider your own ideas, opinions, preferences and prejudices.

Fake news stories often try to play with your emotions. That is why it is important to be aware of your (confirmation) biases if you want to judge whether a post is correct or not.

Does the post confirm your beliefs and ideals? Then it is possible that the information both fits within your confirmation bias and your filter bubble. They both influence the way you search for and find information. So always ask yourself if there was something about the headline which caught your attention, how you reacted to the post, and why you reacted to it that way. Also ask yourself if the post confirms or challenges your assumptions.

##### Break through your filter bubble

Consciously look for sources which represent other viewpoints regarding the topic at hand to broaden your view, and compare this with your own point of view. Can you explain why you disagree with something? Are you sure that the information supporting your own point of view is reliable? For example, give reading the news from different political perspectives a try with Ground News.

Remain critical and do not jump to conclusions!
Find out more!
How do you go beyond your own confirmation bias? Causes explains it in this video:​