We Are Our Own Gatekeeper; Not the Media
The media has been referred to as the gatekeepers of nutrition information and hence, they determine what we consumers hear, read and ultimately believe about food and health [1].
With this role, there is a suggested responsibility to provide the facts, put it into perspective and help us determine how new nutrition findings fit into our lives [2].
Yet, it’s a near impossible feat for the public to keep up with the headlines and we are losing confidence as mixed messages circulate. I too was frustrated with the inconsistencies, so much so that I decided to return to university to study nutrition. Four years later, I have gained understanding and insight into why nutrition communication is challenging.
When we stand back, and look at the big picture, there are three parties at play; the scientists, the media and us. With different levels of understanding and expectations it is no surprise that our wires are getting crossed; here are some reasons why.
Scientists avoid absolutes and acknowledge complexities, whilst the media attempts to communicate key messages in simple terms and ultimately this is what we want; black and white, good and bad, healthy and unhealthy [3].
In science there is no perfect answer, as uncertainty is forever present, and there is a continual need to update information and challenge conceived ideas [3]. Debate is created and is the foundation of most discoveries however, when the media attempts to relay this we are the ones left scratching our heads. Often the big picture is left out, and we fundamentally miss out on how this 'new' information fits with our existing understanding.
As human beings, it is difficult for us to change our food behaviour, and when the media bombards us with attention grabbing headlines, it’s overwhelming. Many feel obligated to know and understand in order to make choices and here are some tips to help determine if it is reliable information.
Top Tips to Assess Media Reliability.
Are the findings from a single study or multiple? This may require you to do your own investigation as often articles do not provide this background information but if it’s just one study and doesn’t fit within a larger body of research I wouldn’t stress.
Is it a large study and sample size? Large studies are often more reliable than smaller ones.
Was it done on humans or animals? I like to think that my body is a bit more complex than a mouse; to know how food and nutrients truly respond in our body it should be tested in humans.
If all of that seems a bit too much be reassured, you do not have to focus on the constant debate of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ at all. I encourage you to see foods as neutral and enjoy them all, free from judgement. We don’t need the media to tell us what we should or shouldn’t eat; you are your own gatekeeper and have the power to make your own food choices!
References
[1] Ferna´ndez-Celemı´n, L., & Jung, A. (2006). What should be the role of the media in nutrition communication? British Journal of Nutrition, 96(1), S86-S88.
[2] Fineberg, H., & Rowe, S. (1998). Improving public understanding: guidelines for communicating emerging science on nutrition, food safety, and health. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 90, 194-199.
[3] Harrabin, R., & Alle, J. (2003). Health in the News: Risk, Reporting and Media Influence. London: King’s Fund Publications.
