Why changing your media diet can change the world

I passionately believe that the media diet we choose to surround ourselves with has an impact on our mental health. Everything from; picking up a free newspaper and ads on the Tube, to the radio station we listen to, and the social media we follow. 

My media diet used to be what ever presented itself. I didn’t really think about what, or how, I was coming into contact with information about the world around me. Then I discovered Positive News. A quarterly magazine for good journalism about the good things that are happening. They have also pioneered “ constructive journalism”. Rigorous and relevant journalism that is focused on progress, possibility and solutions. From this starting point I am now on a constantly evolving journey to consciously curate media to work for me. 

Front cover of an issue of Positive News

An opportunity to get involved

Through Positive News I heard that Jodie was looking for participants in her research. Understanding how people consume media, how it makes them feel and what they do about it. Mr LGD and I had a qualitative interview by video call about our experiences, thoughts and feelings. 

My review

Her book is so much more than the findings of her research. It’s an overview of how we got into the situation we are in, what it is doing to us and what we can do about it. Switching off from everything is far from the answer. 

Book cover of "You are what you read, why changing your media diet can change the world"

I liked that the book doesn’t place the blame for the current situation at the door of one group of participants. I sometimes hear people say “well people wouldn’t buy it if they didn’t like it” or “it sells advertising space”. Jodie sectcincly explains how all the stakeholders can make changes to how they work, and what they do, to effect positive change on the industry. 

Most powerfully she takes the reader through step by step what they personally can do to change there own media diet. I got some great tips. I thought I was already doing most things!

For example I realised that I can can end up in a positive, environmental, activism bubble. Not realising what’s going on in mainstream culture, or the world. I recognise that I need to burst my self imposed filter bubble and have a reality check. Luckily I have a few friends who help with this!

As part of the book launch Jodie spoke at an Action for Happiness event. This was filmed for their You Tube Channel and can be found here. I highly recommend watching it.

Media I get value from;