I avoid main stream media but I have to say they trigger my curiosity.
I take most of my data from official publications. I search for several sources (published studies) on the subject (oftentimes with different outcomes or conclusions). I reach out to experts and I like to add personal stories ( from myself and others) to spice it up a little. The ultimate goal is to stay away from confirmation bias and cognitive ease.
Because we only perceive a fraction of the world around us, we can’t be certain the foundations of our beliefs we call “facts” are actually correct.
If the foundations of your beliefs collapse, all your principles are falling. This is called cognitive dissonance.