Scrolling for Wisdom: Filtering out the Noise in a Sea of Contradictory Opinions

Lately, I’ve come to a rather humbling realization: I’m addicted to scrolling on social media. There. I said it. Now, before you rush to conclusions, let me clarify. My intentions are pure. I’m not scrolling aimlessly through memes (though they are hard to resist), but searching for motivational content, lifestyle advice, and, quite honestly, answers to life’s many questions. I go on with the goal of finding content that aligns with my values and helps me grow, particularly around topics like life, marriage, and success. Yet, almost daily, I find myself trapped in a whirlwind of contradictions.

For example, I once saw a post urging women not to be nice to each other. The very next post in my feed was an impassioned plea for sisterhood and supporting one another. And, of course, I come across this kind of conflicting content constantly, which leaves me thinking, "How do I even know what’s true? How do I know what advice to take seriously?"

Here’s where the real problem lies: scrolling for advice on social media feels like trying to catch a butterfly with a fishing net. Every time I think I’ve got the right message, another fluttering, contradictory one swoops in. One day, I read about the importance of being fiercely independent and never relying on anyone. The next, I read that the key to happiness is mutual dependence and collaboration. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin!

And trust me, I get it. Social media is like the world's loudest marketplace of opinions, all shouting for attention. But here’s the catch: while the advice is often free-flowing, it’s not always good advice. It’s not always right for me, and it might not be right for you either. Sometimes it’s just about aligning with values, and sometimes it’s about filtering the noise. As I reflect on this, I realize that part of wisdom is knowing how to sieve out the content that truly aligns with our values— and how to politely disregard the rest.

I’ll admit, there are days when I feel like a total mess—brain fog and decision paralysis are frequent visitors. I’ve been there, wrestling with the feeling that I don’t know enough, or that I’m just not wise enough to give advice. Heck, sometimes I feel like a nincompoop. I mean, let’s be real—life’s a jumble of "should I become a doctor?" one day and "let's conquer the world of fashion design!" the next. But trust me when I say, I’ve had moments of clarity. And I’m learning, growing, and filtering my way through the fog.

As much as I love diving deep into new ideas, I’ve realized that I do not hold the power to dictate what wisdom should be or what it shouldn’t. In fact, that’s what makes it so exciting. Wisdom isn’t some static definition; it’s an evolving pursuit. It’s personal. It’s not about finding one-size-fits-all answers, and I feel a little shy even talking about it. But I know deep down, someone out there can relate to the struggle of trying to make sense of conflicting advice.

So here’s my challenge to you—and to myself: When we scroll through social media in search of wisdom, let’s remember that not all advice is created equal. It’s okay to question things, to test the waters, and, most importantly, to know what aligns with who we are and where we want to go. Wisdom isn’t about finding someone else’s truth; it’s about building your own. And while I don’t claim to have all the answers, I’m ready to embrace the journey of figuring it out.

In the end, maybe the wisest thing we can do is learn to trust ourselves more than the sea of conflicting voices out there. The best part? It’s a journey that’s just getting started.