Use The News as a Tool | Ella Bruggink | TEDxBSA Youth

Key Concepts

Political polarization, news consumption, social media, echo chambers, misinformation, trust, global cooperation, active vs. passive news consumption, sustainable habits, informed voting.

The Problem: Political Polarization and its Manifestations

The speaker, Ella, begins by highlighting the increasing negativity surrounding politics, particularly in the context of numerous presidential and national parliamentary elections happening in 2024. She connects this to the theme of "becoming adult in a changing world," as adulthood often coincides with the right to vote and influence the direction of society.

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: A 2024 American Psychological Association report indicates a 177% increase in Americans viewing elections as a significant source of stress. Additionally, 72% are concerned about election-based violence.
• Global Risks: The 2024 World Economic Forum Global Risk Report identifies diminishing trust, increased political polarization, and a volatile geopolitical landscape as significant threats to global cooperation.
• Consequences of Polarization: Ella argues that unchecked political polarization can lead to:
  • Divided Societies: Communities forming along political lines, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
  • Skepticism and Lack of Cooperation: New ideas being met with increased skepticism, hindering cooperation and policy-making.
  • Legislative Gridlock: Policies struggling to gain majority support, slowing down progress.
  • Personal Attacks and Violence: Political discussions devolving into personal attacks and even violence.

The Role of News and Social Media

Ella identifies news consumption, particularly on social media, as a key driver of political polarization.

• Changing News Consumption: The shift from traditional news sources (newspapers) to 24/7 access to news via the internet has led to increased "indirect exposure to news," as defined by a 2022 Oxford and Reuters study.
• Dangers of Social Media News:
  • Oversimplification: Social media platforms often use simple, emotionally charged headlines to capture attention, leading to oversimplification of complex issues.
  • Echo Chambers: Algorithms prioritize content that aligns with users' existing views, creating echo chambers where individuals are primarily exposed to one-sided information.
  • Passive Acceptance: Within echo chambers, individuals become susceptible to passively accepting information as the complete truth, even when it's not.
  • Real-Life Reinforcement: Emotionally charged and divisive content is more likely to be shared, leading to the confirmation of false views in real-life conversations.

The Solution: Using News as a Tool

Ella proposes reversing political polarization by actively using news as a tool. She argues that a complete picture of the world is necessary to effectively push for meaningful change.

• Actionable Steps:
  1. Make Politically Savvy News Choices: When encountering a news story on social media, use it as a reminder to seek out a full news article from a reputable source.
  2. Diversify News Sources: Avoid relying on a single news source to ensure a well-rounded perspective.
  3. Make News Consumption a Sustainable Habit: Incorporate news consumption into daily routines, such as listening to international affairs podcasts while commuting.

Conclusion

Ella concludes by emphasizing the importance of breaking free from algorithms and echo chambers. By actively seeking out and engaging with diverse news sources, individuals can empower themselves to navigate a changing world and contribute to a more positive and informed society. She urges the audience to "use the news as a tool" as they become adults in this evolving landscape.