From local to global, the impact of news extends beyond the headlines and should shape our perspectives and everyday actions.
Because of this, there are thousands of news websites available for people around the world that provide factual information about what is happening day to day.
These websites report on events happening on a local, state, national and global level, and each of them are equally important. Being well versed about the happenings of this world is crucial for our own understanding, especially when it comes to international news.
With our easy access to these news sites, we know Utah officials want to sue social media companies, the new state flag bill passed in the Utah Senate and Kivrin Glassco won Dixie’s Got Talent.
Many of us may also know about the Alec Baldwin shooting, the Idaho murders and the decreasing COVID-19 cases.
Whether the news is interesting, disturbing or impactful, we as news consumers are quick to become knowledgeable about the most prominent headlines. Why? Well, because many of these stories directly affect our lives due to their proximity, availability and relevance.
Although we have knowledge about what is happening on a local, state and national level, what do we know and understand about global news?
For most people, including myself, the answer is close to nothing. My thought process and reasoning behind not being informed about world news is that those events are thousands of miles away and don’t concern me. Because I live in the United States, things happening elsewhere do not affect me.
This thought process I have so easily undergone is not OK or justified by any means. In fact, it is culturally insensitive, shows a lack of empathy and an abundant amount of ignorance.
This viewpoint is so damaging because as time goes on, the world is becoming more interconnected. This means events in one part of the world can easily affect the rest of the world.
Take COVID-19 for an example. I remember being a sophomore in high school and hearing about the pandemic from my teachers. At that point, it had just started and was rapidly spreading throughout China. Because it was almost 7,000 miles away, I did not think twice about the virus and continued taking advantage of my mask-free life and in-person schooling.
Well, fast forward to 2023. The United States alone has had more than 104 million COVID-19 cases with more than one million deaths caused by the virus. What started in China quickly spread all over the world impacting billions of people.
Let’s take the ongoing war in Ukraine as another example. Ukraine is almost 6,000 miles away from Utah’s state borders, but that does not mean the war is not affecting us today.
In fact, the war has already caused energy, oil and gas prices to increase. Financial markets are at risk, and global trade has become less available for the U.S. Lastly, and most importantly, inflation has become an all time high and is rapidly increasing.
If this doesn’t sound like a problem, it definitely is affecting us, as we see some of the highest prices that have ever existed.
If we pay more attention to international news, we can stay ahead of developments that will help us prepare for future potential impacts like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
By understanding how the world is interconnected through our thorough study of the news, we can also begin to understand global challenges as they pertain to conflicts, environmental issues and humanitarian crises. As we stay up-to-date on the challenges people around the world are facing, we can help find solutions to work toward a better world for future generations.
By following closely with international news, we can also begin to have cultural and political awareness that exposes us to different perspectives and ways of thinking. As we begin to have a clearer awareness of international issues, our understanding will be broadened and our cultural sensitivity will increase.
To add on to the many reasons and benefits mentioned above for staying in tune with world happenings, it is our responsibility as global citizens to become more informed, engaged and connected. As we continue to do this, we will be better equipped to improve the status of this rapidly changing world while we continue to live and thrive in it.
Whether we subscribe to international news sources, watch news programs or volunteer with global organizations, we should become active and responsible global citizens today. We can do this by constantly staying informed about global events to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
