Human beings are quick to judge.

We're quick to assume.

And we're way too quick in thinking we understand what's going on around us.

While we live in the age of easily accessible information, it is shocking how misinformation and ignorance run rampant in our society. People tend to take whatever comes through their Facebook feed as the absolute truth, quickly parroting the post to their friends and family. I can't tell you how many pie charts about the national budget I have seen that have entire categories omitted, or accounts of events that misrepresent the facts, as a result place blame upon the entirely wrong person.

This misinformation is particularly damaging in the middle of our election season, and in the midst of the following turmoil from the recent terrorist attacks. We'd like to think that during these times, Internet users would come together to support the affected and spread a message of peace. In reality, many use these events as an excuse to push their own agendas upon people. While it is fine to feel passionately about an issue, I urge people to check their facts before posting. Even if the misinformation is unintentional, it can be very damaging to certain groups or individuals.

For those people who intentionally skew their information or use facts that they know to be inaccurate, please rethink your actions. You have a moral obligation to your followers to use accurate information, and intentionally doing otherwise is deceptive and unkind.

Please, before you re-post or spread any sort of information you see online - even if you think it comes from a credible source - do some research. It only takes a few moments to double check the facts you see, and doing so can prevent misunderstandings and misdirected anger.

Please also be aware that many news sources on the internet sensationalize stories in order to up their readership. While the facts may not be entirely inaccurate, the events can be slightly dramatized, or certain details may be left out due to the bias of the reporter or site.

Really the message here is take everything you read with a grain of salt. Read carefully from several varied sources whenever you see a story. Don't jump on the next trending hashtag before really understanding what it is you are tweeting about. You may not have thousands of followers, but your actions on the Internet always maintain the potential to change your surroundings. Go ahead and use your voice, speak out about that which you are passionate, but be a voice of reason - not deceit.