Tough Times for Communicators

A few entries ago I alluded to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center that focused on the increasing level of polarization within the United States. Specifically, the study revealed that not only do people not want to talk with those who have different political and social beliefs, but they do not want to live near them either. Obviously, such a mind set makes the possibility of people living in greater harmony by focusing more on what they have in common a lot less remote. From a communication standpoint, the results of this survey were quite disturbing as they suggested people are not inclined to even interact with others they view to be "different."


If this survey was not worrisome enough, the Pew Research Center conducted another survey recently that only adds fuel to the fire. In this survey the American public was found to not trust or have confidence in the information shared with them by the government and businesses. The same survey also indicated the American public holds the media in low esteem as they see the workers of reporters being sloppy, inaccurate and irresponsible. Take together, the two surveys paint a very bleak picture of the current state of communication in America. It is no wonder, then, the average person is frustrated and simply wants to turn their back on any thing or one that does share their various perspectives.  


Given how things appear to be, the bottom line question revolves what steps need to be taken to begin reversing the negative path that so many individuals seem to be on? For starters, we need to look to those who are primarily responsible for providing much of the information to the general public. This includes journalists and public relations practitioners, two groups, based on the survey results, the people seems to have the least confidence in. These professional communicators must begin taking steps to restore their credibility with the very people they reach out to on a regular basis. Such an effort will not be easy.