Why We Question Some Things but Not Others?

Have you ever noticed how some people will question certain things with passion and intensity, but then turn around and accept other ideas without a second thought? It’s one of those quirks of human nature that has always fascinated me. I find it strange, but also a bit understandable, given how we’re all wired to think in different ways. Still, it makes me wonder—why do we sometimes question one thing while completely overlooking another? And how can we protect ourselves from falling into the trap of groupthink?

Let’s explore this together, and maybe we can all start being a little more mindful of our thinking patterns along the way.

The Curious Case of Selective Questioning

It’s pretty common to see people get really fired up about certain topics. They’ll dive deep into research, ask probing questions, and challenge the mainstream narrative. But then, the very same people might go along with other ideas or trends without a second glance, simply because it feels familiar or accepted by the group they identify with.

We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s easier to question something that feels distant or unfamiliar, while we’re more inclined to accept what feels closer to home. But why?

Part of it might be that when something aligns with our beliefs, we’re less likely to challenge it. We might think, “Well, this makes sense to me, so I don’t need to dig any deeper.”

Meanwhile, when something feels foreign or goes against our instincts, we want answers. That’s when the questioning begins. It’s only natural, but it can lead to a blind spot if we’re not careful.

Groupthink: How It Sneaks Up on Us

Groupthink is a subtle and sneaky thing. It happens when we’re so eager to fit in or be part of a group that we don’t stop to ask ourselves the “why” behind certain actions or beliefs. It’s not always malicious; sometimes it’s just easier to go with the flow, especially when everyone else seems to be on the same page.

But here’s the thing: just because something is widely accepted doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right—or right for you. Groupthink can make us overlook important details or stop us from asking the tough questions, even when we should.

I’ve seen this happen time and time again, whether it's with trends on social media, popular opinions in the news, or even day-to-day decisions in our personal lives. It’s as though we get caught up in a wave of collective thinking, and before we know it, we’re swept along without really thinking for ourselves.

Protecting Yourself from Falling Into Groupthink

So, how do we guard ourselves against falling victim to groupthink? The key is to stay aware and keep a healthy balance between questioning and trusting. Here are a few friendly tips to help you navigate this tricky territory:

1. Pause and Reflect
   Before jumping on a bandwagon, take a moment to ask yourself why. Why are people excited about this? Why do I feel drawn to it? Is it something I truly believe in, or am I just going along because it’s popular? Taking that pause can help you reconnect with your own instincts and decide if it’s something you want to engage with.

2. Question Everything, Even the Familiar
   It’s easy to question things that feel unfamiliar or go against your current beliefs, but the real growth happens when you start questioning what feels comfortable. Challenge your own assumptions from time to time. You might discover that some of the things you’ve always accepted could use a little reevaluation.

3. Stay Open-Minded, Not Closed-Off
   Just because you’re questioning something doesn’t mean you have to dismiss it entirely. Stay curious and open to learning new perspectives. You might end up agreeing with the group in the end, but you’ll do so from a place of understanding rather than blind acceptance.

4. Trust Your Instincts, But Don’t Ignore Facts
   Trusting your gut is important, but it should be paired with logic and evidence. If something doesn’t sit right with you, explore why that is, but also take the time to gather facts. It’s easy to get swept away by emotions, especially in a group setting, so keeping a balance between instinct and reason can keep you grounded.

5. Be OK with Being Different
   One of the biggest hurdles to avoiding groupthink is the fear of standing out or being different. But here’s the truth: it’s perfectly fine to be the one who questions something that everyone else accepts. Your perspective is valuable, and even if it goes against the grain, it’s worth considering. Sometimes being the odd one out is what leads to the most important discoveries.

6. Engage in Conversations, Not Arguments
   When questioning something, it’s easy to get into an argument, but that’s rarely productive. Instead, try engaging in conversations. Ask questions and share your thoughts in a way that invites others to think with you rather than against you. This way, you can learn from each other without feeling defensive or shut down.

Finding a Healthy Balance

At the end of the day, questioning and trusting are two sides of the same coin. It’s about finding that balance where you stay curious and critical, without closing yourself off to new ideas or experiences. When we protect ourselves from groupthink, we give ourselves the opportunity to grow, learn, and stay true to who we really are.

So the next time you see a wave of popular thought or action, take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask the “why” questions, even if it feels uncomfortable. And remember, it’s okay to go against the grain every now and then. In fact, that’s often where the magic of personal discovery happens.

Here’s to staying curious, thoughtful, and true to ourselves—no matter what everyone else is doing.