News Engagement Day 2018: Why is news important? We ask Hong Kong students
News has the power to inform, connect, and move us. To mark News Engagement Day, our readers explain why the news matters to them
From left: Theodre Tang, Ryan Budihardjo, Wilson Hu from Victoria Shangai Academy speak to Young Post about the importance of the news.In honour of News Engagement Day, we asked our readers why news is important to them and how it affects their lives. Here’s what they had to say.
Anice Lui, 16, Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section)
The news greatly affects our lives; it shapes the way we think and act. News is more than facts shoved into our faces every day.
It is a medium through which we can learn about societal issues and get involved in things that we care about.
What’s more, as news tends to present a certain world view, it influences our own view of the world; and only by reading from as big a variety of news sources as possible can we understand something from more than one perspective, and develop our critical-thinking skills. This helps us to make informed choices in life, and develop our own ideas and principles.
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Hilary Wong, 18, University of Hong Kong
The news is very important because it explains what is happening around me. I especially like reading in-depth analyses of events because I get a better understanding of the context surrounding an event and why it matters. It makes me feel more connected to the world.
News also has an impact on my life because it teaches me about important international causes that I can lend my support to. When I hear about global disasters, I can make donations; when I hear about movements, I can join them. Reading the news helps me fulfil my responsibility as a global citizen.
Asawir Fatima, 13, St Rose of Lima’s College
News is important because we all share this planet.
It’s vital for us to know what is going on around us – not just on our own doorstep but in places we may never otherwise think about.
I like keeping up with current events and staying informed about issues affecting society.
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Christine Ling, 14, German Swiss International School
As global citizens, we must be aware of what’s happening around us. Every day, people in different parts of the world face a range of issues, from war to natural disasters to political unrest.
It is crucial to be aware of such events, to have a basic understanding of issues that could potentially affect us in the future, and to learn about the fundamental politics that govern our lives.
There are also certain topics that may not be widely discussed in the media, but these are the ones we should seek out because they still deserve attention. I try to take all the stories I read to heart and always be aware of what is going on.
Natasha Ho Jo-wei, 13, Carmel Pak U Secondary School
News is important because it draws our attention to things that we may not ever have realised were important.
Reading the news forces me to consider things from different perspectives and gives me something more important to think about than mere gossip.
Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge