More like based on not trusting authority. And then trying to „do research“ on your own. Which frequently goes sideways. But not always. Just like mainstream approach. Sometimes it's correct, sometimes it's not.

Growing up in a highly authority-averse context (early post-soviet era with many historical scars of governments/elite/etc-not-to-be-trusted)... It'd be best if people would both do research on their own AND have the means to do that research. Smart people going sideways sucks. But people believing authority without blinking is very dangerous too. Although it's convenient and sometimes beneficial. But in the long run IMO it's a ticking time bomb.