Data needs to drive conversations - not division
In Nieman Lab, Jason Forrest argues for data as a tool for dialogue, not division.
In Nieman Lab, Jason Forrest argues for data as a tool for dialogue, not division.
Jason Forrest, Chair of the MPS Data Visualization and Communication program at the School of Visual Arts, has published a new piece in Nieman Journalism Lab as part of its Predictions for Journalism 2026 series.
In “Data needs to drive conversations, not division,” Jason argues that the future of data journalism depends less on dazzling visuals and more on building shared understanding and dialogue. Drawing on the current climate of polarization, he suggests that charts and data projects should function as conversation starters rather than mic drops - inviting readers to explore their own questions and contexts instead of reinforcing tribal divides.
Jason writes that newsrooms should borrow more from interaction design and community engagement to create experiences that help audiences connect data to their lived realities. He also emphasizes that the next generation of data communicators will need not only technical skills like statistics and design, but also interviewing, facilitation, and empathy to treat readers as co-interpreters of reality.
➝ Read the full article on Nieman Journalism Lab.