An early Happy New Year to you all and I hope Christmases went well. If you are planning a big night out do take care and make things easy on you and our emergency services. As always our thanks go to the Police and those working with the NHS, related healthcare areas and our transport systems at this busy time of year. The Armed Forces also of course often make sacrifices and are away from home and loved ones.
I would also like to mention a large number of people who traditionally receive very little thanks in the media. There are a huge number of private sector employees who play their part in making this time of year more special for the others. Those working in restaurants, hotels, and pubs; working in retail whether opening up for the Boxing Day sales or keeping things going 24/7 for online shopping. Childcare workers and babysitters make a big difference for many families, meaning they can join family and friends for an evening to celebrate. The list is too long to mention here but there are lots of people who work through the Christmas and the New Year and who deserve thanks and recognition for that. When so many countries are facing a difficult time economically, our media and some politicians have become too focussed on the split between the public and private sector and should concentrate more on growing the economy to benefit everyone.
This week for some families is when things slow down and the change of pace can be very welcome. Especially following the increase in numbers of people suffering from stress and anxiety during Covid I hope it makes a difference for many.
A lot of people try to cut down on electronic devices and take a break from social media in particular. In addition to adding to the feeling of constant pressure especially for young people, there is increasing evidence that Twitter and others are being widely manipulated. Over Christmas the accounts of Piers Morgan and Gillian Keegan were hacked, and false information sent out. The evidence of the "Twitter files" has shown that governments have also sometimes had a large influence on what people are shown. In the future we will have to be alive to "deep fake" impersonation and the like, and it is a challenge to try to ensure that harm does not occur while making sure valid views can be shared and debate is not stifled. Social media can be positive, and I think it is best to contribute in that way, but take it with a pinch of salt and if it gets you down in any way then do just take a step back.
I hope that as we find out more about the flaws of social media and countering them, in 2023 people go some way to rediscovering the value of less immediate but more reliable and informative sources. Good journalism with high quality newspapers and magazines is becoming more important than ever. It’s not easy to find the time but reading a good book and learning from the informed and considered views of experts is undoubtedly better for the mind and soul.