What neuroscience and journalism have to do with a better future | Maren Urner | TEDxMünster

Our lives are run by our habits: they make it easier, but they also restrict us in creating a better future. Bad habits are hard to break, especially if the news shows us that the world is a miserable and catastrophic place. By focusing on problems we are left stressed and hopeless. Neuroscientist Maren Urner argues that the news need to focus more on solutions to help us break the old habits and create a better future. http://www.perspective-daily.de

Neuroscientist Maren Urner arrived in Münster after her scientific career brought her from Osnabrück, to Canada, to the Netherlands and to London. Fascinated by the complexity and plasticity of the human brain she investigated human awareness and consciousness. However, leaving the lab in the evening she started to feel bombarded by the “real world problems” like inequality, climate change and environmental destruction. The little word “why?” kept on nagging her – and she left an academic career to start from scratch. She is the co-founder of the new online medium and social enterprise "Perspective Daily" (previously: "Positive Daily") that focuses on future-oriented topics using solutions journalism. Together with her colleagues and an international network of supporters she wants to bring constructive journalism to the forefront, empowering people to see their potential and possible influence.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx