The Information You’re Exposed to Shapes Who You Are. Every piece of information you’ve consumed to this day has carved a little home into your brain and nestled itself there. As you keep consuming content on the internet, you keep feeding your values and beliefs. If we’re constantly drawn into that noise, not only will our productivity decrease, but our sources of reliable information will fall short. A great part of that person’s decision-making process and judgment is dictated by what they consume.

The Information You’re Exposed to Shapes Who You Are. Every piece of information you’ve consumed to this day has carved a little home into your brain and nestled itself there. As you keep consuming content on the internet, you keep feeding your values and beliefs. If we’re constantly drawn into that noise, not only will our productivity decrease, but our sources of reliable information will fall short. A great part of that person’s decision-making process and judgment is dictated by what they consume.

What You Think You Know About the Web Is Wrong. Most people who click don’t read. In fact, a stunning 55% spent fewer than 15 seconds actively on a page. The stats get a little better if you filter purely for article pages, but even then one in every three visitors spend less than 15 seconds reading articles they land on. This reveals a disconnect between the act of clicking and the act of engaging with content. It seems that people are more focused on the act of clicking and sharing rather than actually consuming and understanding the information.

But let's dive deeper into this. Articles that were clicked on and engaged with tended to be actual news. The most clicked on but least deeply engaged-with articles had topics that were more generic. This suggests that people are more likely to click on articles that catch their attention, but they might not stick around to read the entire piece. This trend highlights the importance of creating engaging and informative content that holds the reader's attention.

Research across the Chartbeat network has shown that if you can hold a visitor’s attention for just three minutes, they are twice as likely to return than if you only hold them for one minute. This emphasizes the significance of capturing and maintaining the reader's interest. It's not just about getting clicks; it's about ensuring that the content resonates with the audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Now, let's address the myth that the more we share, the more we read. Among articles tracked with social activity, there were only one tweet and eight Facebook likes for every 100 visitors. This shows that there is no direct relationship between the amount a piece of content is shared and the amount of attention an average reader will give that content. In other words, just because something is shared widely doesn't mean that people are actually reading and engaging with it. This raises questions about the value and impact of social media sharing when it comes to consuming information.

So, what can we take away from all of this? First and foremost, we need to be mindful of the information we consume. It shapes our beliefs and values, so it's crucial to seek out reliable sources and diverse perspectives. Secondly, as content creators, we must strive to produce engaging and informative material that holds the reader's attention. It's not enough to simply get clicks; we need to provide value and keep our audience coming back for more. Lastly, we should rethink the role of social media sharing in our consumption habits. Sharing is not synonymous with reading, and we should be cautious about the information we amplify through our social networks.

In conclusion, the information we consume has a profound impact on who we are and how we navigate the world. It's essential to be discerning in our consumption habits and prioritize reliable sources. As content creators, we must craft engaging and informative material that captures and maintains the reader's attention. And, finally, we should reassess the role of social media sharing in our information diet. By following these actionable pieces of advice, we can better navigate the vast sea of information and shape our own identities in a more intentional and informed manner.