This article was originally posted on RealClearScience.

It is easy for journalists to succumb to the notion that we make very little difference in this world. According to Pew, only 28% of Americans believe journalists contribute “a lot” to society, while 27% believe journalists contribute “not very much” or “nothing at all.” And aGallup poll showed that only about 20% of Americans believe that reporters are honest and ethical. On the bright side, at least we beat out car salesmen (9%), Congressmen (8%), and lobbyists (6%). Huzzah! Continue reading →