Common Sense Journalism

Tag: life

  • Fear Sells: The monopolisation of fear in the modern media

    Fear Sells: The monopolisation of fear in the modern media

    Since the start of newspapers in the 17th century, news has become a staple of modern life. Always connected, always informed. The difference today is speed, for which we can access global news within a click of a button. We can see the wars across the globe, the constant pandemics and peril that faces humanity. Yet why is it always so bleak? The answer, as do most things, lies in money.

    For the media, money is the sole purpose. It is no different from any other large conglomerate and therefore should not be seen any differently. People wish to be informed on the world’s events and will always interact with news. However fear exponentially increases engagement, and engagement provides money.

    The Media itself has never changed, creating a sense of panic has always created greater interest. Yet the modern forms of media, provided by the internet, allows for 24/7 coverage. The wave of impending bad news never ends, nor does the interest.

    In recent years this has become more apparent as a method of sustainability for the media. More and more of the public have become disillusioned with how the Media represents itself and it’s underlying motivations. The active choice to cover some stories while avoiding others has put the Media in hot water. Therefore with a declining support base, fear is the one factor that keeps them afloat.

    The stories of joy, hope and human resilience are present, they do well in the court of public opinion. But, too much positivity becomes obsolete compared to the engagement of anxiety. Therefore, the majority of stories are on war, famine and the never ending cycle of political scandals. That is what sells best.

    This constant barrage of negativity is extremely draining, for all those who read the news regularly. Trump with another pointless war threat, the cost of living in the UK, murders, poverty, terror attacks, genocide. However its equally addicting. To stay connected is to be present, to be a member of the human race, and to know of the world is the purest form of social connectivity.

    Perhaps the news should focus on the positive events of the world. But it would not be as profitable for those who own the Media, so will never come to fruition.

    My belief is that the Media, is extremely beneficial for it’s role. To educate, to connect and to inform. But it does not represent the world. It shows a dangerous and divided globe, one of pain and struggle. Reality is far more diverse. There is happiness, love and empathy beyond the fearmongering of the papers. Therefore the Media profits from fear, and we the people can profit by taking news as what it is. A business.

  • Personal Politics: the emotional response to political choice

    Personal Politics: the emotional response to political choice

    In recent years especially with the rise of social media, Individual political opinions have become intertwined with one’s character. By aligning yourself with a political party, in today’s world, means to associate your core morals with that of the party itself. In many ways this removes the subjectivity of politics, and makes voting an extremely personal thing.

    The true primary reason for the personification of political views is divisive and polarised politics. The more extreme or unorthodox the party, the more debate and division ensues. In UK politics, for example, the recent local council elections saw an abandonment of the traditional two parties, in favour of the more radical Reform UK and the Green Party. This is due to the current state of the system, and the dissatisfaction and discontent with current politics. In short the people feel underrepresented and thus over represent themselves.

    Personal politics through social media

    The personalisation of politics is not exactly a new phenomenon and has been shown throughout history in movements such as the suffragettes. Where politics was an extremely personal matter, one that could provide them the opportunity that the current system did not. As beneficial as it can be, it equally can be destructive, especially among friends and family. The politics itself is divisive and embodying such sentiments often leads to conflict.

    So why does it matter? Politics is an individual right, if you are a citizen and over the age of 18, you have the right to decide who governs our country. That is real power. Voting and holding the government accountable is the foundation of modern democracy, a choice that is always personal. Yet in the time of constant media updates and conversation , it’s no longer personal. It is a reflection of yourself. The new world politics will continue to be over emotional issues and personified, and the world changes with it, but perhaps it’s equally okay to take it subjectively, that maybe the party and the people are not one entity.