If you live in New York State, you probably don’t just take things at face value. According to new data, you are definitely not alone. A recent study shows New York is one of the most skeptical states in the country when it comes to information online.

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Where New York Lands

New York ranked fourth overall, with people making about 6,710 searches each month for things like “Is this real?”, “Fact-checker,” or “Is it April Fools?” That is a strong sign that many New Yorkers are double-checking what they see before they ever believe it.

Why Skepticism Is So High

Think about how much information comes at you every day. Social media posts, breaking news, viral videos, and even text messages can spread quickly. As most of us know by now, not all of it is accurate. Because of that, many people across New York have gotten into the habit of stopping to check the sources before reacting or sharing something.

April Fool’s Day Raises Even More Doubt

This kind of behavior becomes even more common around April 1st. Nearly half of Americans say they have played a prank on April Fool’s Day, which makes it even harder to know what’s real. That’s why searches like “Is this real?” tend to spike around this time of year.

What This Says About New Yorkers

Being skeptical isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can help you avoid scams, misinformation, and confusion. New Yorkers seem to be more aware of that than most, choosing to question things instead of blindly trusting them.

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