#12 - Numeracy

 Numeracy and COVID-19 Vaccines

I have always been one to struggle when it comes to numbers. I am what others would consider "right-brained," meaning I am more creative and artistic rather than analytical. Although it would be nice to escape the world of numbers for people like me, they will always be a part of life, no matter your field of study or choice of employment.

Numeracy is defined as the "ability to understand and work with numbers." Although we may not realize it, we work with numbers every day, even in nontraditional settings. 

In media, numbers are used quite often. Media analysts are always looking for statistics to educate others and back up their claims with evidence. Using statistics will help boost a story's credibility. When a story gives specific details, people are more likely to find news credible and well researched. 

For the past year and a half, we have constantly been looking for numbers regarding the COVID-19 virus. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were given statistics of those with the illness. Currently, we are looking for the number of people getting vaccinated. Today, US citizens between the ages of 65-74 are receiving more vaccines than others. Eighty-seven percent of this age group are vaccinated. Fifty-five percent of citizens between the ages of 18-24 are currently vaccinated. These statistics give the public hope and reassurance that the virus will soon become a minimal problem.  

Numbers will always be a part of a person's life. From collecting statistics to counting dollars, we will always depend on numbers to give us specific facts. There will always be a need for numbers, especially in the media.