Thinking Against Yourself: Why the Devil’s Advocate Method Helps You Spot Fake News

What is the Devil’s Advocate Method?

The devil’s advocate method involves someone in a discussion deliberately taking the opposite view—not because they believe it, but to test the strength of the arguments on the table. The point is to challenge reasoning, stress-test assumptions, and expose weak spots before they turn into bad decisions.

Used well, this kind of structured pushback broadens perspective and reduces groupthink. It isn’t about being difficult or argumentative—it’s about asking the hard questions people often skip when they’re confident, rushed, or emotionally invested.

When Can We Apply This Method?

This approach is especially useful in meetings and brainstorming sessions where real decisions are being made—strategy, hiring, budgets, product plans, or long-term goals. It also works as a daily exercise for sharpening your reasoning and building stronger arguments.

How Does a Devil’s Advocate Work in Practice?

By arguing the “other side,” we often reach better conclusions—better because they hold up under criticism. We also become more creative as we start noticing risks and blind spots we would have missed otherwise. Here’s a simple example of how a devil’s advocate role can improve a discussion:

Discussion Topic: Should the company switch entirely to remote work?

Susan: “Yes. People will be happier, and we’ll save time and money on commuting.”
Adam (Devil’s Advocate): “Maybe—but what if productivity drops for some roles? And how do we prevent communication breakdowns when teams rarely meet?”
Susan: “That’s possible, but most people will adapt.”
Adam (Devil’s Advocate): “What about clients who expect face-to-face meetings? Could we lose business?”
Susan: “Fair point. A hybrid model might be better than going fully remote.”

In this example, Piotr doesn’t have to believe every concern he raises. His job is to test the strength of the argument and surface alternatives the group might be ignoring. That makes the conversation more constructive—and improves the odds of landing on a solution that actually works.

Why Does This Method Help Fight Fake News?

The devil’s advocate method is useful when you consume news online because it helps you separate reliable information from misinformation.

First, it pushes you to verify claims instead of accepting them automatically. If a post aligns perfectly with what you already believe—or triggers a strong reaction—this method encourages you to slow down, look for evidence, and reject weak or unsupported arguments. That reduces the risk of believing something “on faith.”

Second, it helps counter the pressure to agree. In group conversations, people often drift toward consensus, even when the shared assumption is wrong. A devil’s advocate breaks that momentum and makes it easier to notice what’s uncertain, misleading, or plainly false.

Third, it reveals gaps in our own thinking. When someone questions our position, we often discover where we’ve relied on assumptions, skipped evidence, or confused opinion with fact. That clarity improves how we reason—and how we talk to others.

Finally, it forces precision. To defend our position against criticism, we have to organize our reasoning and eliminate inconsistencies. That makes it easier to tell what’s true—and what only sounds true. Over time, regular practice builds healthy skepticism and sharpens your ability to spot manipulation, clickbait, and half-truths.

4 Steps to Verifying Information

How can you use this when checking news online? Try a simple exercise: assume the claim might be wrong—and see if you can disprove it before you accept or share it.

1) Assume it could be false

Instead of asking, “Is this true?” ask, “If this were misleading, what would the red flags be?” That instantly shifts your brain into critical thinking mode.

2) Look for counterarguments

Step into the role of devil’s advocate and try to challenge the claim:

• Could the source be biased?
• Does it sound too dramatic—or too perfect to be true?
• Does the author or outlet benefit from framing it this way?
• Is there credible data that contradicts it?

This internal dialogue helps you catch manipulations, emotional framing, and selective storytelling.

3) Check alternative explanations

A classic devil’s advocate question is: “What else could explain this?”

• A sensational headline might be taken out of context.
• A video that “proves” something might be a clipped or misleading fragment.
• A shocking chart might use a distorted scale or cherry-picked data.

Simply acknowledging alternatives makes it harder to get fooled by the first story that fits your expectations.

4) Analyze the emotional charge

Ask yourself:

• Is this content designed to trigger strong emotions?
• Why would someone want me outraged, scared, or amused?
• What happens if I share it before verifying it?

If the message is trying to steer your feelings, it may also be steering your judgment.

When Skepticism Goes Too Far

Like any tool, this method has downsides. Too much skepticism can slow decision-making and lead to cynicism—or “analysis paralysis,” where constant doubt prevents action. Used in every conversation, especially in social settings, it can also feel like a personal attack.

How to Use It Without Burning Out Others

Not everyone enjoys having their views systematically challenged. Overdoing it can create hostility, reduce trust, and make people less willing to collaborate. In the wrong hands, the devil’s advocate role can also be abused—used as cover for constant criticism or for pushing a personal agenda rather than improving the group’s thinking.

Constant doubt can also be exhausting—for you and for others. That’s why the devil’s advocate method works best in moderation: use it deliberately, pick the right moment, and stop when it starts to block decisions instead of clarifying them.

Read the original article in Polish: Fake newsy atakują? „Adwokat diabła” to najszybszy test prawdy