S4E9: Be The Change: Think Before Sharing with Colin William

In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer: Be The Change, Tasha Eizinger sits down with Colin William, Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University, to explore how we can become more thoughtful consumers of information in a world filled with social media, misinformation, and emotional manipulation. Colin breaks down how propaganda works, why even highly educated people can fall for misinformation, and how our own brains can make us vulnerable to confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, and group polarization. This conversation is not about telling you what to believe. It is about learning how to think. Together, Tasha and Colin discuss: * What propaganda actually is and why it is more than simply sharing an opinion * Why fear, anger, and outrage are powerful tools for manipulation * How social media algorithms can reinforce our existing beliefs * Why we are vulnerable to confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance * How to recognize emotional triggers before reacting or sharing * Why pausing before reposting is an act of responsibility * How to evaluate your information sources * Why critical thinking does not mean questioning everything. It means knowing what deserves deeper examination * How we can stay informed without living in a constant state of urgency One of the biggest reminders from this conversation: You can be an informed citizen without consuming information every moment of every day. Real change does not come from reacting quickly. It comes from thoughtful people who are willing to stay curious, ask better questions, and engage with others intentionally. About Colin William: Colin William is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. His work focuses on psychological science, human behavior, and helping students understand how we think, learn, and make decisions.