Nobel Prize lecture: Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize 2021

Summary

Maria Ressa, a journalist and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, delivers a powerful speech highlighting the plight of journalists worldwide who risk their lives to report the truth. She addresses the alarming rise of disinformation, its impact on democracy, and the role of technology in spreading lies. Ressa calls for a global response to protect press freedom, uphold facts, and combat the divisiveness fueled by social media platforms prioritizing profit over truth. She urges individuals to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for truth and to envision a world built on peace, trust, and empathy.

Takeaways

• 📢 Maria Ressa emphasizes the importance of journalism in upholding truth and holding power accountable, despite the significant sacrifices made by journalists worldwide.
• 😔 She recounts the tragic fates of several journalists, including Jamal Khashoggi and Daphne Caruana Galizia, highlighting the dangers faced by those who seek to report the truth.
• 👥 Ressa acknowledges the efforts of the Hold the Line Coalition and human rights groups in defending press freedom and the costs they bear, including the killing of lawyers in the Philippines.
• 🌐 She discusses the dual threat posed by the absence of law and the rise of technology, which has amplified the spread of lies and divisiveness, contributing to the rise of authoritarianism.
• 🔍 Ressa calls for a transformation of the current information ecosystem, which is prioritized by American internet companies that profit from hate and violence.
• 💡 She shares her personal experiences and the resilience of Rappler, a news organization she helped create, in the face of government attacks and the importance of community support.
• 🚫 Ressa warns of the dangers of disinformation, particularly its impact on women, and calls for immediate action to tackle this growing threat.
• 🌐 She connects the local issues in the Philippines with global concerns, such as the role of social media in spreading lies and the real-world consequences of online violence.
• 🛡️ Ressa advocates for the protection of journalists, the regulation of surveillance economics, and the need for a new multilateral approach to restore facts and democracy in the information ecosystem.
• 🌟 She concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to imagine and work towards a better world, one that prioritizes peace, trust, and empathy.

Q & A

Who is Maria Ressa and what is her significance in the context of the speech?

Maria Ressa is a journalist and the co-founder of Rappler, a news website in the Philippines. She is significant because she represents journalists worldwide who are fighting for press freedom and are under threat for holding power accountable.

What is the 'Hold the Line Coalition' mentioned in the speech?

The 'Hold the Line Coalition' is a group of over 80 global organizations that defend press freedom and work to ensure the safety of journalists.

Why is Maria Ressa particularly concerned about the rise of authoritarians and dictators?

Maria Ressa is concerned about the rise of authoritarians and dictators because they often suppress press freedom, manipulate information, and use technology to spread lies, which can lead to the erosion of democracy and human rights.

What is the connection between technology and the spread of lies as mentioned in the speech?

Technology, particularly social media platforms, has been used to amplify lies and misinformation, which can pit people against each other and create an environment conducive to the rise of authoritarian regimes.

How does Maria Ressa describe the impact of lies and hate on society?

Maria Ressa describes the impact of lies and hate as a 'toxic sludge' that is coursing through the information ecosystem, prioritizing the spread of negativity and divisiveness, which can lead to real-world violence and the undermining of democracy.

What is the significance of the 'old gatekeepers' and 'new gatekeepers' in the context of journalism?

The 'old gatekeepers' refer to traditional media institutions that controlled the flow of information, while the 'new gatekeepers' are technology companies with immense power to shape public opinion, often prioritizing engagement over accuracy.

Why does Maria Ressa emphasize the importance of facts and truth in journalism?

Maria Ressa emphasizes the importance of facts and truth because they are the foundations of trust and shared reality, which are essential for a functioning democracy. Without them, societies cannot effectively address existential problems.

What is the role of gender disinformation in the current media landscape according to Maria Ressa?

Gender disinformation is a significant threat that targets women, girls, trans, and LGBTQ+ individuals, affecting their mental health and physical safety. It is a form of hate that needs to be tackled urgently.

How does Maria Ressa view the role of technology companies in the current information ecosystem?

Maria Ressa views technology companies as having a profound influence on the information ecosystem, often prioritizing profit over facts and truth, which can lead to the spread of hate, lies, and divisiveness.

What solutions does Maria Ressa propose to combat the challenges faced by journalism and democracy?

Maria Ressa proposes a multifaceted approach that includes restoring facts, rebuilding journalism for the 21st century, regulating surveillance economics, providing greater protection for journalists, and addressing the advertising model of journalism.