DYOR
Initialism (informal)

- Initialism of do your own research

CoinMarketCap, Ledger

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ORIGINS

The origins of DYOR are primarily associated with the cryptocurrency community, though it has since spread to other investment spheres and online contexts.

DYOR became prominent in the cryptocurrency world around 2016-2018, particularly after hundreds of ICO (Initial Coin Offering) projects crashed, many of which turned out to be scams that left first-time crypto investors penniless and disillusioned.

The community began using DYOR as a mantra to promote independent research and responsible investing, particularly to draw back disillusioned investors and encourage new ones to be more cautious.

Today, DYOR has become one of the most common phrases in cryptocurrency discourse. It's frequently tagged onto investment discussions as a way to remind readers that the writer is not providing financial advice, similar to the acronym "NFA" (Not Financial Advice).

The term has spread beyond cryptocurrency into other investment contexts and general internet discourse, where it serves as a reminder to verify information independently rather than accepting claims at face value.

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HOW TO DYOR

But while no media outlet is completely neutral (language is never neutral!), some make an honest effort to report facts, separate news from opinion, and correct their errors. Below are a few you may find worth bookmarking.

- Reuters – Straightforward global reporting with minimal commentary.

- Associated Press (AP) – Widely used by other outlets; fact-based and concise.

- BBC News – Aims for neutrality, though seen as center-left by some in the UK.

- NewsGuard – Scores outlets on transparency, credibility, and corrections.

- Politico – Focused on politics and policy; known for in-depth coverage and insider access.

- To stay balanced, cross-check across left, center, and right outlets (e.g., The Guardian, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal).

- AllSides.com Shows you how left, center, and right report the same story. Like trying on three pairs of glasses at once.

- Use fact-checkers like Snopes, PolitiFact, or FactCheck.org

- Keep abreast of new developments follow experts whose opinions you trust,… we feel that “Making Sense” by Sam Harris is particularly insightful.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

acquire knowledge, arm yourself with facts, be a sponge, be in the know, become versed in, bone up on, broaden your horizons, brush up on, check the facts, clue yourself in, connect the dots, dig into, digest information, do due diligence (homework), do your homework (own research), drink from the fountain of knowledge, DYOR, educate yourself, explore the facts, fact-check, feed your mind, find out (for yourself), gain insight, get a handle on (clued up, familiar with, hip to, informed, schooled, the lay of the land, the lowdown, get the story, to the bottom of, up to speed, wise, your facts straight), go to the source, keep/stay abreast (informed, up to date), learn firsthand, master a subject, mine for information, plumb the depths, probe into, read between the lines, read up (on), research thoroughly, school yourself, see for yourself, seek the truth, self-education, stay on top of things, unveil the truth, verify information, wise up (on)

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation today, say something like:

"How do you approach reality testing?... would you have any DYOR tips for me?"

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

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