Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize 2021: Official interview

Summary

This transcript features a thought-provoking conversation with a journalist who reflects on their career journey, the challenges of modern journalism, and the importance of press freedom. The speaker discusses navigating fear, the role of misinformation and disinformation, and the need for courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Offering advice to young change-makers, they emphasize the importance of staying true to one's values and not compromising. The conversation also touches on the search for meaning in life, the dangers of social media, and the significance of lifelong learning in an ever-changing world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Journalism can be a calling that leads to personal and professional growth, as experienced by the speaker during the 1986 People Power Revolt in the Philippines.
• 😀 The importance of press freedom lies in holding power accountable, ensuring transparency, and allowing the public to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal.
• 😀 Misinformation is a natural distortion of facts, while disinformation is deliberately crafted to manipulate and deceive with an intended agenda.
• 😀 Combating disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach: personal responsibility, legal frameworks, and long-term educational strategies for the digital age.
• 😀 Overcoming fear and preparing for worst-case scenarios builds resilience and the ability to improvise under pressure, as seen in the speaker's experience as a war correspondent.
• 😀 Young people can shape the future by staying true to their values, avoiding cynicism, and recognizing the dangers of compromising too much for personal gain.
• 😀 In an attention-driven economy, it's crucial to find meaningful pursuits outside of social media, as excessive use can drain time and energy with little benefit.
• 😀 Trust-building within global communities relies on clear narratives and unified actions, especially among those who support democratic values.
• 😀 Everyone has a responsibility to act within their sphere of influence and to make clear ethical choices, even if it involves personal sacrifice.
• 😀 Lifelong learning and self-awareness are key to personal growth and adapting to the ever-changing world, enabling individuals to make meaningful contributions.
• 😀 Even in challenging circumstances, resilience, self-reflection, and a commitment to progress can help individuals and organizations push forward towards a better future.

Q & A

Why did you decide to become a journalist?

I fell into journalism and I loved it. Part of it was the experience of witnessing the 1986 People Power Revolt in the Philippines, where Filipinos were grappling with understanding what freedom meant. I learned a lot about the Philippines through news and felt inspired to pursue journalism.

What is the importance of press freedom in democratic countries?

Press freedom is crucial because journalists act as the connective tissue between governments and the people. They hold power to account, ensure governance is transparent, and make sure leaders are responsible for their actions. Without press freedom, citizens can't freely express their opinions without fear of repression.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is like gossip—it spreads through distortion but isn't necessarily intended to deceive. Disinformation, on the other hand, is the deliberate spread of false information to manipulate or control people.

How can we combat disinformation effectively?

We can combat disinformation by engaging in person-to-person defense of democracy. Each individual has a responsibility to uphold truth in their areas of influence, live their values, and work toward creating civic engagement in the face of widespread falsehoods.

How do you maintain hope in the face of threats and adversity?

The key is to confront your greatest fear head-on and prepare for it mentally. When you're ready for the worst, everything else feels manageable. Embracing fear, planning for worst-case scenarios, and staying focused on the ultimate goal helps you keep moving forward.

What advice do you have for young change-makers looking up to you?

It's important to stay clear about your values and to see the world with fresh eyes. Avoid cynicism, because it kills your ability to act. Instead, embrace pragmatism, which allows for movement. And always remember, your search for meaning in life will determine the quality of your decisions.

How can young people today protect themselves from the dangers of the attention economy?

The key is awareness—understand that time spent on social media platforms is a time suck and may leave you feeling empty. Instead, focus on building a life outside these platforms, where real connections and meaningful experiences happen.

What gives you hope about the future?

In my world at Rappler, we haven’t compromised, and we continue to exist despite challenges. The energy and ideas exchanged between the older generation and the younger generation give me hope. Additionally, the goodness of human nature, seen even in the toughest times, inspires me to believe in a better future.

How can people build trust within a global community?

Building trust requires clarity in action. The side of democracy needs to act more decisively and consistently. Trust can be established by telling stories that focus on truth and by not getting lost in unnecessary nuances or divisions.

What is your advice on how people can reconnect with their values?

Reconnecting with your values is a process that starts with self-awareness. Understand that the choices you make define who you are. The little decisions, when aligned with your values, create a meaningful life. It’s important to stay aware of how you’re spending your time and energy.