The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens cover image

The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

The Neuroscience of Good Journalism: How Constructive Journalism Uses Information to Empower with Maren Urner

Apr 23, 2025
Maren Urner, a neuroscientist and professor, delves into the crucial role of constructive journalism in empowering communities and restoring trust in media. She discusses the psychological impacts of negative news consumption on mental health and urges a shift towards balanced narratives. Urner also examines how cognitive biases affect media engagement and highlights the tension between profit motives and journalistic integrity. Ultimately, she advocates for responsible journalism as a catalyst for collective action and positive societal change.
01:24:04
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Episode guests

Maren Urner

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Constructive journalism serves as a powerful antidote to the negativity prevalent in traditional media, fostering empowerment and informed citizen engagement.
  • Trust in media is critically influenced by emotional states and the credibility of sources, underscoring the need for empathetic reporting.

Deep dives

The Impact of Helplessness and Self-Efficacy

Creating a sense of helplessness in individuals can have detrimental effects on their mental well-being and societal engagement. This psychological state, characterized as learned helplessness, can lead to apathy and disengagement from social issues and political matters. Conversely, self-efficacy—the belief that one's actions can lead to meaningful change—is an antidote to this malaise. Small acts, such as signing petitions or participating in discussions, can bolster individuals' feelings of efficacy, reinforcing their belief that they can indeed make a difference.

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