Why did it take until the toilet paper shortage of March 2020 for Americans to consider buying a bidet? Bidets were historically associated with promiscuity and sex workers, who used the device frequently because they believed it could prevent sexually transmitted illnesses and pregnancy. Its spread was slow across Europe, and even slower across North America due to its association with sex, in addition to a puritanical discomfort with the body. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
