As the need arises, look it up
Certainly, I, like most people, can easily conjure up quick and semi-informed (if informed at all) opinions on just about any topic. But on this site, you will find only things I’ve given much thought to and, in most cases, have studied formally and quite likely taught, written, and/or discussed publicly, aided by my love of research.
So when I utter my well-worn slogan “Google while you write,” I mean to include not just that one ubiquitous search engine and related services, but, also, any and all alternate searching apps and mechanisms — yes, right while you’re writing. Fill your writing with credible facts, where the need pops up and where possible — and that’s about everywhere, these days.
Yes, I include AI-powered research. Of course, AI-generated info must be monitored and, in some cases verified. This is usually fairly easy to do, once AI has put some relevant and “new,” to you, idea or fact on the table. You can’t look into what you aren’t aware of — thank you, AI. Now, I’m going to make sure you’re not “hallucinating.”
You may find disparaging remarks by me all over this website/blog, as regards AI, but I need to clarify right now that I am disparaging only the generative functions, particularly as regards writing — where AI is supposed to “write it for you.” I love the power and reach of AI as a research tool. Others can critique other AI aspects; that’s not my focus. I just want you to do your own “talking.” When we get to Grammar Lessons 1, 2, and 3, you’ll see why.
Always seek new and divergent sources
Before posting your views anywhere, or even writing personal correspondence, I urge you to look into the matter from multiple perspectives – not just places you can (and usually do) go to find, to put it technically, confirmation of your biases. I’m talking about where you go to find “info.”
As a researcher (even for one small fact), you need not seek “confirmation of your biases”; those sites will seek YOU out, whatever your interests and/or biases. I hope you already understand about the algorithms intended to capture and maintain (and inflame) your attention. Every move you make is tracked, for commercial purposes, among others. I hope you know this already.
So you need to put some effort into finding sources that are not simply designed to feed you what you already believe — or maybe just entertain you with whatever you tend to look at. I’ll admit that the targeted entertainment function can work out enjoyably — we do like what we like.
Look into what you don‘t “like”
But when it comes to ideas and facts, it’s helpful not to just “like what we like.” In fact, you’ll benefit greatly (as will everyone around you) if you make a point to look into what you don’t necessarily “like.”
Let’s say you really don’t like person (or idea) X. Try, for a change, googling “the benefits of X.” Shocker! It’s everything the internet keeps away from you, since the algorithm knows “you don’t like it.”
Indeed, I’ve taught “Research Methods” to many university students, to help move them past finding things that validate their opinions and biases to finding things that challenge and upgrade their opinions and (inevitable – since we all hold them) biases. What a special joy to read a paper that starts out, “I thought I understood this topic, but, boy, was I wrong!”
Thanks to the algorithms of social media and the Web in general, you need not seek out (mis)information that “validates” your inevitable biases. The BS will find you (!) and force its way right into your phone.
But for information that might contradict your biases and views, that will take some hunting. Please do this work, before posting any views, anywhere, including privately. What you write will gain in both merit and impact. And, as your perspective widens, you will grow as a person.