Clive Thompson posits that “multiples”—ideas independently invented multiple times—come about because a period’s unique circumstances turn inventors toward a specific idea. Take the radio as an example. Although commonly attributed to Marconi and Tesla, at least three to four other people independently invented the same device. At the time, electric fields were increasingly interesting to scientists, so it was natural that several people wondered if they could transmit signals through these fields; in fact, it is surprising that there weren’t more people inventing radios. 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
