Embrace Learning in 2026: A Call for Deeper Understanding

As the New Year approaches, many individuals set resolutions focused on personal health, fitness, and mental well-being. However, Wafa Unus, an associate professor of journalism at Fitchburg State University, proposes an additional commitment for 2026: to prioritize deep learning about the world over superficial information consumption. This resolution aims to foster empathy and understanding by encouraging individuals to engage with news and journalism in a more meaningful way.

Transforming Information Consumption

The current information landscape often encourages a reactive approach to news, where individuals consume content to quickly form opinions rather than to cultivate genuine understanding. Unus argues that this performative engagement is detrimental, leading to fragmented knowledge and reinforcing divisions among communities. In a world where political, economic, and cultural realities can seem incompatible, she suggests a shift towards more intentional learning.

Unus emphasizes that good journalism should serve not merely as a source of quick information but as a foundation for deeper discussion and shared understanding. It should document events, explain their significance, and create common reference points that enhance community discourse. To achieve this, she advocates for individuals to approach journalism not as a series of isolated headlines but as a continuous narrative requiring exploration.

Focusing on Key Issues

Unus advises readers to select a limited number of pressing public issues—perhaps two or three—that resonate within their communities. Topics such as housing, healthcare access, education, and immigration offer rich areas for investigation. By engaging with these issues more deeply, individuals can develop a greater understanding of the systemic factors at play.

“We need to move beyond information gathering to actual knowledge acquisition if we are to see a shift in how we view and engage with one another,” says Unus.

She highlights poverty as a particularly complex issue, often misunderstood and oversimplified. Many fail to recognize that financial shortages can lead to a cascade of problems, affecting everything from timely payments to credit scores. Unus points out that journalism that thoroughly captures these realities can replace stereotypes with a nuanced understanding of the systems that perpetuate poverty.

Similarly, disenfranchisement is rooted in structural barriers that prevent civic engagement. Unus notes that stable housing, flexible employment, and trust in institutions are crucial for participation in democratic processes. When these conditions are lacking, individuals may withdraw from public discourse, leading to frustration among those who expect engagement without understanding the underlying obstacles.

To further develop this understanding, Unus encourages readers to delve into comprehensive resources such as well-researched books, documentaries, and expert-led podcasts. By shifting focus from merely consuming news to actively learning about these critical issues, individuals can foster more empathetic conversations with those holding differing viewpoints.

As 2026 approaches, Unus’s message is clear: Instead of seeking to consume more news, let journalism serve its intended purpose as a catalyst for education and dialogue. By committing to becoming curious students of the world, individuals can contribute to a healthier, more informed society.

In summary, the resolution for the New Year should not be about proof or performance but rather about profound learning and understanding. Engaging deeply with journalism provides the opportunity to bridge divides and foster a community rooted in shared knowledge.