Human interest

Definition

Human interest refers to the emotional appeal of a news story that focuses on the personal experiences and struggles of individuals, often highlighting their emotions, challenges, and triumphs. This type of story aims to connect with the audience on a deeper level by portraying relatable human experiences, making them compelling and memorable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Human interest stories often focus on extraordinary individuals or events that highlight resilience, compassion, and community spirit.
2. These stories can cover a wide range of topics, including personal struggles, social issues, and uplifting moments in people's lives.
3. Journalists use human interest angles to make complex issues more relatable and understandable for the audience.
4. The emotional connection created by human interest stories can significantly influence public opinion and raise awareness about important social issues.
5. Human interest elements are frequently included in news broadcasts, print media, and online platforms to engage audiences and encourage empathy.

Review Questions

• How does human interest enhance the impact of news stories on the audience?
  • Human interest enhances the impact of news stories by creating an emotional connection between the audience and the subjects being reported on. This connection allows viewers to relate more closely to the individuals involved, making them more likely to engage with the content. By focusing on personal experiences and emotions, human interest stories can also foster empathy and a deeper understanding of broader social issues.
• In what ways can journalists incorporate human interest elements into their reporting without compromising journalistic integrity?
  • Journalists can incorporate human interest elements into their reporting by focusing on personal narratives that complement factual information. This can be achieved through interviews with individuals affected by an event or issue, providing context to statistics and data through personal stories. While doing so, it's crucial for journalists to maintain accuracy and fairness in their reporting, ensuring that the human interest aspect does not overshadow the essential facts.
• Evaluate the role of human interest stories in shaping societal perceptions and driving social change.
  • Human interest stories play a significant role in shaping societal perceptions by bringing attention to personal experiences that resonate with audiences. By highlighting individual struggles and triumphs, these stories can challenge stereotypes, influence public discourse, and encourage empathy towards marginalized groups. Furthermore, they can drive social change by raising awareness about critical issues, motivating audiences to take action or advocate for change based on the emotional narratives presented.

Related terms

Emotional Appeal:

A rhetorical strategy that aims to elicit an emotional response from the audience, often used in storytelling to create a connection between the subject and the viewer.

Feature Story: A detailed piece of journalism that goes beyond breaking news to explore a particular subject or individual in depth, often emphasizing human interest elements.

Narrative Journalism: A style of journalism that uses storytelling techniques to create engaging narratives about real events, often incorporating elements of human interest.