WHAT IT IS
Constructive Journalism addresses the greatest issues of our time.
Constructive Journalism is a new way of approaching information, which seeks to reduce or even eliminate the "negativity bias" with which news is presented in the media. It highlights and promotes positive and solution-focused news, instead of reproducing negative and conflicting stories, while trying, at the same time, to provide answers to key social problems.
It aims to avoid biased negativity or biases and leverages research data from the scientific field of Positive Psychology to produce new frameworks in journalism. Thus, the reporting and presentation of even the most serious of issues are done in a way that evokes "positive emotions", sharpens critical thinking, and activates the creative powers of man, who no longer feels helpless in the face of the developments of things, but capable to be a vital part of them.
Therefore, Constructive Journalism, instead of referring exclusively to conflicts and problems, instead of overemphasizing what is wrong in the world, focuses on a comprehensive presentation of journalistic issues, while at the same time underlining the disclosure of the root causes of problems, but also of emerging ideas and developments, in order to contribute to the shift of society to more impartial and sustainable avenues. In practice, this includes exploring grey zones and nuances, seeking solutions to problems instead of just uncovering them, and facilitating public debate and participation.
Revised definition of journalism: To convene communities into civil informed and productive conversation, reducing polarization and building trust through helping citizens find common ground and scope for understanding.
Jeff Jarvis’ (Professor, City University of New York, Journalism School)
Constructive Journalism proposes solutions and emphasizes the role that every member of society can play in order to be a part of change itself. In other words, it engages the public rather than incapacitating, disillusioning, despairing and rendering them passive spectators of developments. In addition, it seeks to strengthen the code of ethics of journalism, avoiding distortion of information, in order to provide a more realistic depiction of the world. It attempts to create a compelling narrative that is factual without exaggerating
The developments of recent years stress the need for the existence and application of Constructive Journalism, as the quantitative, measurable data resulting from polling and academic research are constantly increasing (See Library). Positive Psychology has shown that "reality" is shaped by the way our brain perceives the world that surrounds it. The news, as projected by the media, zooms in on the worst version of reality, magnifying the negative elements and downplaying or silencing the positive ones. Thus, the public acquires a warped, unilateral perception of what is happening around them, which does not leave their psycho-emotional and mental health unaffected. On the other hand, the positive way of presenting news proposed by Constructive Journalism promotes resilience and balance and encourages the community into taking action.
Scholars define constructive journalism as "the application of positive psychology techniques to news processes and production in an effort to create productive, engaging, and comprehensive coverage while holding true to journalism's core functions" (McIntyre & Gyldensted, 2018)
A different approach to information…
Constructive Journalism in comparison:
