How to Think Clearly — Facts vs. Opinions vs. Feelings

Have you ever argued with a friend about which video game is the best? Or which superhero is the strongest? It feels important, but what if there is no 'right' answer? Learning one simple trick can help you understand these disagreements and even stop fights before they start.

Your brain deals with three types of information all day: facts, opinions, and feelings. Knowing the difference is like having a superpower for thinking clearly.A fact is something you can prove is true or false. For example, "Recess is 20 minutes long" is a fact. You can check it with a clock.An opinion is what someone believes or thinks. "Blue is the best color" is an opinion. You can't prove it, because someone else might think red is the best.A feeling is an emotion you have inside. "I feel happy when I play outside" is a feeling. It's true for you.Problems happen when we mix them up. Studies show that kids your age can have several disagreements with friends every day. Many of these arguments start because someone states their opinion like it's a fact. Learning to spot the difference...

Lina and her friend Diego were arguing during lunch. 'Basketball is way better than soccer,' Lina said. 'It’s faster and more exciting.' Diego shook his head. 'No way. Soccer is the best sport in the world. Everyone knows that.' The argument got louder until their teacher walked over. 'Let me ask you both a question,' the teacher said calmly. 'Can you prove which sport is the best?' Lina and Diego thought about it and went quiet. They couldn't. 'The number of players on a team is a fact,' the teacher explained. 'But which sport is 'better' is an opinion. And feeling frustrated is a feeling.' Lina realized they weren't fighting over a fact, just sharing different opinions.