I’ve grown up in a world where my early access to news was through a newspaper or the 10 o’clock show! Now, in 2021, it’s at our fingertips. It’s hard to find a social media channel where updates aren’t shared, whilst our smartphone news apps are set to notifying us as with “breaking news” as default. I, like many others, have a delicate relationship with the news, and I was intrigued to read more from Jodie Jackson in her 2019 book “You are what you read”. *
The promotional material and “blurb” for the book sums up how many of us (me included) feel once you have read the headlines. “ Do you ever feel overwhelmed and powerless after watching the news? Does it make you feel sad about the world, without much hope for its future? Take a breath – the world is not as bad as the headlines would have you believe”
Jackson has professional experience that makes this book an essential read. She uses her academic experience, and that from others, and her experiences as a journalist to start a movement that calls for balance and perspective To show that whilst the evolution of the news to what we experience now has many flaws, there is also potential. And, most importantly, she plots out practically what we can do. This book feels like one of two halves; the first show the negative and often toxic side of the media; the influence of over-commercialisation, “click-bait”, the expectation of a 24-hours new cycle and the filter bubble. The latter is hopeful; detailing the power of solutions-based news, the positive influence this can have and, finally, how we can take steps to have a healthier social media diet!
The evidence of the subtitle of the book, “why changing your media diet can change the world”, is explained in detail in the book. Whilst the opening part can make you feel defeated and deflated, it’s a necessary explanation of the negative impact of the current presentation of the news cycle. As quoted “Bad news sells because the amygdala is always looking or something to fear” (Peter H Diamandis). Simply as human beings, we are programmed to notice the bad news first.
What do we do now? We break our habits, and rather than step away from news (as many people understandably do.) We access journalism that is solution focused and constructive; to inspire and motivate for change.
Solutions based journalism was a new concept for me; it’s defined as “rigorous journalism that reports critically on tangible progress being made in order for us to understand how issues are being dealt with”. So many of us are familiar with the “good news” stories that often pop up at the end of the standard news. Solutions based journalism is not this. It doesn’t shy away from the problem, but it doesn’t just stop there. It tells us about innovation, positive responses to social problems, and adds an even deeper understanding to what is often just shared as the “problem”.
Whilst negative news can impact us in ways that seep into society, solutions-based news has been found to influence in ways that we want! You are what we read details how solution-based news:
- Increases the amount we feel positive emotions like joy,
- Leads to a positive mindset over time
- Changes how we interact with each other
- Makes us feel empowered to act!
In true Clara Cliff Notes style, I’m going to leave you with the things you need to know. And this month, it’s a brief checklist of HOW you can make a difference. If you want to know more, then grab the book. If you want to change the way you interact with the news, then start following this today!
- Become a conscious consumer
- Read, watch and listen to good quality journalism. You can find recommendations here. Burst your filter bubble
- Be prepared to pay for content
- Read beyond the news
If you want to understand more about these points, then grab the book! Jodie Jackson’s website is also a fantastic resource to support the movement of solution-based journalism; restoring a sense of balance and perspective in the news to empower, investigate and lead to innovation. Where will it take you next?
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
