Think critical thinking is just something philosophers do? Think again! If you’ve ever figured out whether a TikTok hack actually works, or spotted a fake news story before your friends did, you’re already flexing some serious critical thinking muscles. Here are four everyday signs that show you’re better at critical thinking than you realise.
You’re can spot social media trends that actually work
Ever watched a viral hack video and thought, “Wait a minute, that can’t be right”? Or tested a trending tip to see if it really delivers? Congratulations – you’re practising high-level critical thinking!
When you:
- Question whether something seems too good to be true
- Look at the comments to see others’ experiences
- Test things out for yourself instead of just accepting them
- Notice when crucial steps or information are missing
- Share your real results with others
You’re using the same analytical skills that researchers and professionals use to evaluate new ideas and approaches. This ability to question, test, and verify information is crucial in our fast-paced world.
You can figure out game strategies and shortcuts
Whether you’re speed-running a game level, finding efficient farming routes, or developing new battle strategies, you’re using advanced critical thinking skills. Gaming involves:
- Analysing patterns and systems
- Testing hypotheses about what works
- Evaluating risk vs. reward
- Finding cause-and-effect relationships
- Adapting strategies based on results
These are exactly the skills employers look for when they need someone to analyse business processes or solve complex problems.
You question what you see and read online
If you’ve ever:
- Checked multiple sources before believing a news story
- Noticed when an image looks photoshopped
- Figured out when something’s an ad in disguise
- Spotted bot accounts or fake reviews
- Questioned why certain content appears in your feed
You’re demonstrating sophisticated critical thinking skills. This ability to evaluate information and question what you’re seeing is increasingly valuable in both personal and professional contexts, especially as AI and other technology continues to evolve.
You can explain why you like (or don’t like) something
When you can break down why a movie worked (or didn’t), why a game is addictive, or why a piece of music hits differently, you’re showing strong critical thinking skills. This involves:
- Analysing different elements and how they work together
- Identifying patterns and themes
- Making connections between different works
- Understanding cause and effect
- Evaluating overall effectiveness
This kind of analytical thinking is crucial in many professional roles, from product development to market analysis.
Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace
Critical thinking is essential in nearly every job, but here are some specific applications:
Data analysis
Just like analysing game stats or social media trends, you’ll need to spot patterns, identify anomalies, and draw meaningful conclusions from data.
Quality assurance
Similar to testing viral hacks, you’ll need to systematically evaluate products or processes to make sure they actually work before hitting the shelves.
Market Research
Just like analysing why certain content works on social media, you’ll need to understand consumer behaviour and market trends.
Problem solving
Just as you figure out game strategies, you’ll need to analyse situations and develop effective solutions to workplace challenges.
Content evaluation
Your experience spotting fake news and ads will help you evaluate information sources and make informed decisions.
Product development
Like breaking down why you enjoy certain games or content, you’ll need to analyse product features and user experiences.
Risk assessment
Similar to evaluating whether to trust online information, you’ll need to assess potential risks and opportunities in business contexts.
Building your critical thinking skills
Keep in mind that critical thinking isn’t about being negative or cynical – it’s about making smart decisions based on careful analysis. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already developing this essential skill!
Want to level up your critical thinking even more? Try:
- Asking “why?” more often when you encounter new information
- Looking for patterns in things you enjoy or dislike
- Testing assumptions before accepting them
- Considering alternative explanations for things
- Discussing your analysis with others to gain new perspectives
The best critical thinkers aren’t just sceptics – they’re curious explorers who want to understand how and why things work. Sound familiar? You’re already on your way to becoming an expert critical thinker!
Find out more
If you’re keen to learn more about building important skills, check out some of the other blogs on our website.