Dr. Aaron Lobel says the role of media is for critical thinking

Dr. Aaron Lobel of America Abroad Media showed examples of how the media can be used to assist in critical thinking. “The media is a vehicle for ideas”, says Dr. Lobel. He quoted Napoleon during his keynote address; “Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” He pointed out that the ability to make fun of political leaders is a sign of a mature country.


With the modernization of media in developing nations during this information age, Dr. Lobel believes that the media must help citizens questions and suggested that “we need more of it in our country”. He cautions that the media in the United States can be lazy because of the desire to leap to conclusions.

Unlike during the cold war where governments sponsored media, Dr. Lobel believes that private media and NGOs should be involved in monitoring government and critical thinking.