We think of data as a commodity that can solve all our problems, but on its own it seems to be more useless than anything. Specifically, data is useless unless it’s in aggregate; you can glean something from it when analysed in terms of how it’s all connected. Look at social media posts as an example. What matters is not what’s posted, but who liked it, what else they liked, who you follow, who they follow, and what those people like, all in a web of a billion people’s interactions. 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
