New research suggests that the way we're surrounded by information can shape our sense of self and influence our decisions, especially when it comes to making life-or-death choices. The study uses euthanasia as an example, arguing that if people's "epistemic selves" - their understanding of themselves and how they make decisions - are flawed, they may end up making poor choices at the end of life. This can happen because our surroundings and societal norms can influence who we become and what we believe, leading to a lack of critical thinking and rational decision-making. The researchers propose that creating environments that support thoughtful and informed decision-making could help prevent such mistakes.