Young men who believe ‘the news will find me’ are more likely to believe false info about drugs and misuse prescriptions. Gender shapes this link.
## “The News Will Find Me”: Why This Attitude Might Be Hurting Young Men
Ever hear someone say, “I don’t need to follow the news, it’ll find me”? Seems harmless, right? Well, a new study suggests this attitude, particularly among young men, could be linked to believing some pretty dicey stuff about drugs and prescription misuse.
Yep, you read that right.
**The Study’s Surprising Twist**
Researchers dug into how young adults get their information and what they believe about drug-related topics. What they found was interesting: Young men who passively assume news will simply “find” them were more likely to fall for misinformation about drugs. The full study can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2519403).
It’s not just about laziness or being uninformed, either. The study suggests that gender plays a role in how this passive approach to news consumption affects beliefs.
**Why Does This Matter?**
Think about it. If you’re not actively seeking out reliable information, you’re basically leaving yourself vulnerable to whatever pops up on your social media feed, or whatever your friends tell you. And let’s be honest, that’s not always the most accurate source.
When it comes to drugs and prescriptions, misinformation can have serious consequences. Believing false information can lead to:
* Risky behaviors
* Misuse of medications
* Harmful interactions with other substances
* Poor health outcomes
**So, What Can We Do?**
It’s not about becoming a news junkie glued to your phone 24/7. It’s about being a little more proactive in seeking out reliable information. Here are a few simple steps:
* **Diversify your sources:** Don’t rely solely on social media. Check out reputable news organizations, government health websites (like the CDC or NIH), and medical journals.
* **Be skeptical:** Just because something is shared widely doesn’t make it true. Double-check claims, especially those that sound too good (or too scary) to be true.
* **Talk to experts:** If you have questions about drugs or medications, talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
**A Little Effort Goes a Long Way**
I’m not saying this is a perfect solution, but taking a more active role in seeking out trustworthy news could make a real difference, especially for young men who might be particularly susceptible to misinformation.
The news *can* find you, but it shouldn’t be the *only* way you get your information. A little bit of effort to seek out credible sources can go a long way in protecting your health and well-being.