We live in an age of unprecedented access to information. Every day, we are bombarded with articles, news reports, social media posts, podcasts, and research studies. With just a few taps on a screen, we can access a seemingly infinite supply of data on any topic. But here’s the catch: Not all information is created equal.

Different sources have different motives—some strive for objectivity, others push an agenda, and some prioritize engagement over accuracy. While technology has democratized knowledge, it has also made it harder to discern fact from fiction. This influx of conflicting information can make even the most intelligent individuals vulnerable to misinformation.

Nowhere is this problem more pronounced than in the medical field. Studies suggest that medical knowledge doubles approximately every 73 days. Compare this to the early 1950s, when it took nearly 50 years for medical knowledge to double. While this expansion of knowledge has led to extraordinary advancements, it has also made it increasingly difficult for even experts to keep up. Without critical thinking skills, individuals—both medical professionals and the public—can struggle to differentiate sound scientific evidence from misleading claims.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has coined a term for the spread of vast amounts of both accurate and misleading information during a health crisis: the infodemic. This was most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the rapid dissemination of contradictory information sowed confusion and fear. People were faced with a dizzying array of claims—some grounded in science, others based on speculation or outright falsehoods. In such an environment, critical thinking is not just a skill; it is a necessity for survival.

Throughout history, science has evolved by challenging orthodox views—the........

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