Number Mason

 

Number Mason

Published: November 10, 2023

Cryptic Numbers

(Courtesy: Pattern Crew)

Sarah Cohen’s “What’s a Number?” reminded me that numbers are prominent. They consist of complex meanings behind the shroud of being a mere symbol; it represents various beings – living or non-living. As Cohen stated, numbers help paint accurate portraits of society while others do not. Unfortunately, the numerical values we occasionally see are double-edged swords, depending on how people use them. Some individuals may use numbers to fit a narrative, polarize, give an illusion, blow things out of proportion, or accidentally give wrong calculations. Furthermore, despite the negative aspects of mathematical objects, they give realizations to people that such values provide depth to particular things in society.

First and foremost, presenting numbers must be minimal to avoid overwhelming viewers. Too many figures but fewer texts may confuse or lead the audience to misinterpret the information. I remember one of my past professors saying, “Percentages and mathematical objects are useless; when you wrongfully use them, they lose meaning, and readers may overlook and not consume other knowledge,” which I can attest to upon reminiscing. She said that along those lines. Furthermore, I realize we must use numbers in the media industry sparingly to avoid a wall of numerical values. It is prominent we replace some mathematical characters for texts and estimates or give common data people are aware of to have a sense of reference (e.g., population size, market prices, etc.) on changes and developments. Doing such an act allows reporters to add depth to their content and perhaps provide the audience with something to recognize, be aware of, and appreciate when viewing the news.

One must also remind oneself to use numbers for substantial impact, especially when using common or involving data such as population sizes or donation goals. However, mathematical characters are not mere data – they have values that represent things in society. I remember watching an informative video stating the lives lost during World War Two, where the creator symbolizes one person for one thousand dead soldiers. I was momentarily shocked and realized that evaluating numerical representation matters because it gives a perspective that the numbers we may see refer to something dire. One death is a sorrowful event, but two or more is a tragedy. Despite the distressing data reporters may use for their news, using numbers also gives academic or positive stories beneficial for the public. For instance, economists or students may view reports to check up briefly on the inflation rate in the Philippines. Also, citizens may view “good vibes” stories when journalists report on charity events, calamity relief missions, fundraisers for a cause, etc. As I can say, numbers indeed have their good and bad sides.

Ultimately, reporters can use numbers to represent various things in society. When using numbers, journalists may use them sparingly to avoid inundating viewers and losing the essence of the article. Furthermore, media practitioners should strive to replace mathematical characters with familiar data, statistical value, or texts where the audience can easily recognize numerical changes – since they now have substantial references in the report. Considering all of what I discussed, it then struck me that it is significant to remind oneself to give balance when using numbers and always recognize that said arithmetic figures may represent a community, an environment, a donation, a rate, a vote, and any other relevant particulars that require numerical representation.