Assignment Twelve - Numeracy

Numbers Can Lie

It is commonly believed that journalism degrees and classes are, to put it in basic terms so I don't go off on a rant, easy. We just write papers, watch t.v., and talk abut how it makes us feel. As a journalism major I know this is not the case, and so much more goes into how journalists prepare and execute their work out in the real world. While it may just look like words, pictures, and reciting back what you already saw, great preparation and tons of behind the scene work takes place before a journalist sets foot on air or publishes an article. Each journalist has a special set of skills and one, that may people would have never guessed is numeracy.

Numeracy can be defined as the "ability to understand and work with numbers." Journalists must harbor this skill to be able to affectively communicate their specific point, especially when it involves statistics. The most relevant journalistic topic that has flooded our phone screens and newspapers is the coronavirus. When it comes to the coronavirus, statistics are coming out every five seconds and we are all waiting idly by to see what numbers come out next. As Americas we are accustomed to believing whatever the media tells us and when it come to something such as statistics during a pandemic, effective numeracy and being able to understand the numbers is very important. Too often has "poor numerical literacy linked to greater susceptibility to Covid-19 news." A study done by Cambridge University reveals that "the most consistent predictor of decreased susceptibility to misinformation about Covid-19 was numerical literacy - the ability to digest and apply quantitative information broadly." Even as consumers of information, we must house the same skills as the journalists to be able to properly identify what is true or what may be misinformation.

When it comes to numeracy, both the journalist and the reader must have the skills to interpret the information, or there is a possibility for confusion. While it may seem black and white, you just read the information and then you know it, if you have poor numerical literacy there is a greater chance you are susceptible to misinformation. If you have a low numerical literacy level you may believe a statement such as "5G networks may be making us more susceptible to the cornavirus." This then implants a false thought process into your mind about the virus and could have you further spreading misinformation. It is important to pay attention to numeracy in journalism no matter what side of the article you are on, and always remember, numbers can lie.