We are constantly bombarded with information—news, social media, conversations, and opinions coming at us from all directions. Most of what we consume could be categorized as "below the line" thinking—negative, fear-driven, or divisive. But what if we could shift our perspective and approach media consumption with greater awareness, curiosity, and critical thinking? In a recent episode of the Motivational Intelligence Podcast, Sean Johnson and John Casey discussed how media influences our mindset and how we can consciously filter what we take in.

The Power of Media and the "If It Bleeds, It Leads" Mentality

Media has a long history of prioritizing attention-grabbing stories—often the ones that invoke fear, anger, or anxiety. The saying, “If it bleeds, it leads,” highlights how bad news tends to dominate headlines because it captures attention and drives engagement. This creates a cycle where we are constantly exposed to negativity, reinforcing a mindset of fear and defensiveness.

John Casey pointed out that this kind of constant exposure mentally fatigues us and shapes our perception of the world in a way that is more conditioned to expect negativity first. The result? We become reactive rather than proactive in our thinking, often unconsciously adopting lower-level perspectives instead of striving for growth, positivity, and constructive dialogue.

The Importance of Conscious Media Consumption

Given the overwhelming nature of today’s media landscape, it’s easy to fall into the trap of passive consumption. We scroll, watch, and listen without fully considering the impact on our mindset. But Sean posed an important question: Should we be thinking more critically about what we consume? The answer is a resounding yes.

John emphasized the need to carefully evaluate news sources, understanding their agendas, biases, and credibility. Most people are naturally drawn to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing a confirmation bias that limits perspective. However, seeking out alternative viewpoints is essential for developing a well-rounded understanding of any topic.

“I look for sources that disagree with my beliefs, intentionally,” John shared. “I want to know what the other side is saying. They’re just as smart, just as educated. They have reasons for what they believe, and I want to understand those reasons.”

Learning to Think Critically: The Power of Debate

A key takeaway from the discussion was the role of debate in shaping critical thinking. John recalled his time studying debate in college, where he had to prepare both sides of an argument and didn’t know which side he’d have to defend until the day of the debate.

This practice instilled an invaluable skill—intellectual empathy. It forced him to understand opposing viewpoints deeply, making it impossible to dismiss them without consideration. Imagine if more people took this approach in conversations today! Instead of reacting emotionally, we could engage in discussions with greater respect, logic, and understanding.

A Mindset Shift: Returning to Our Natural Curiosity

John concluded with a powerful reflection on human nature versus human conditioning. We are born with an innate curiosity and an open-minded, growth-oriented mindset. But over time, conditioning lowers the bar. We become more prone to judgment, cynicism, and fear-based thinking.

He encouraged listeners to reclaim that natural human spirit—the same relentless curiosity we had as children. To challenge ourselves to rise above the noise, seek truth, and hold ourselves accountable for the information we allow into our minds.

Final Thoughts

In today’s digital world, consuming media passively is not an option if we want to maintain a strong, resilient mindset. By critically evaluating sources, exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives, and embracing intellectual curiosity, we can shift toward “above the line” thinking. And ultimately, we can cultivate a mindset that empowers us rather than one that drags us down.

Want to hear the full discussion? Check out the latest episode on your favorite streaming platform!