Oxytocin is the neurochemical associated with trust, generosity, and kindness. New research has found that the body seems to release more and more oxytocin as we grow older, making us more caring and generous. The researchers also found that those who released more oxytocin were generally more satisfied with their lives, which may be the reason why many religions’ teachings of happiness stemming from service to others ring true for many people. 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