We wish everyone a Happy New Year and to even brighter beginnings in 2020!
The Economic Club of Hong Kong will start the year with two important topics: “Hong Kong Protests – A Mental-Health Time Bomb”, and “Fake News: The Psychological War For Hearts And Minds”.
Hong Kong Protests – A Mental-Health Time Bomb
January 14th, Tue 19:15 | Salon No. 10, Arbuthnot Road, Central (map) | Sign up on Facebook or Eventbrite
Mental health has long been one of Hong Kong’s serious social problems. Our high-pressure work environment and education system add to stress and anxiety, while our culture discourages openness about depression and other personal problems. Our suicide rate is one of the highest in Asia – which, as a region, has the highest rate in the world. As demonstrations continue to affect Hong Kong, residents are feeling the impact of extended social unrest. This has highlighted the mental health state of both those participating and not participating in protests. Watching live-streamed violence on the news too frequently and hearing bitter arguments and accusations repeatedly increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other conditions include disrupted sleep, excessive substance use, inability to focus at work or strained relationships. While the political crisis may be resolved eventually, the mental health crisis that follows may last for decades, affecting the next two generations of people.
In this meeting we are going to discuss:
1. How has the current state of Hong Kong affected mental health on an individual level?
2. How to maintain social and support networks when families or friends fall out due to different political views?
3. What kind of mental health policy or support measures should our government/society provide?
Required readings:
• https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3032234/mental-health-hong-kong-its-worst-level-eight
• https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/22/society-is-suffering-hong-kong-protests-spark-mental-health-crisis
Recommended additional reading:
• https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Hong-Kong-protest-violence-is-leading-to-mental-health-catastrophe
Fee: It’s free to attend, but we would buy a drink as a courtesy to the venue.
RSVP via Facebook or Eventbrite | January 14th, Tue 19:15 | Salon No. 10, Central
Fake News: The Psychological War For Hearts And Minds
January 21st, Tue 19:15 | Salon No. 10, Arbuthnot Road, Central (map) | Sign up on Facebook or Eventbrite
In the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong different camps spread selective images and videos to sway public opinion. Disinformation is not only part of the game, but a “psychological warfare” tool wielded by both sides. Scholars say that, as the protests continue, the problem is worsening. And, as Hongkongers consume media content that fails to present the whole truth, society is in danger of being polarised to such an extent that reconciliation between opposing sides becomes more and more difficult. Worldwide, the capacity of fake news to influence policy-making and in particular, political elections, seems to have grown, and is provoking a backlash.
In this meeting we will discuss:
1. How to stem the flow of disinformation while there remains an audience of readers hungry for fakery?
2. How to censor fake-news stories while not compromising the freedom of speech and publication?
3. How to remain critical and alert, questioning second hand (media) information?
Required readings before attending:
• https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3032734/fake-news-and-hong-kong-protests-psychological-war-hearts
• https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2018/04/05/fake-news-flourishes-when-partisan-audiences-crave-it
Suggested additional reading:
• https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/10/24/lithuanians-are-using-software-to-fight-back-against-fake-news
Fee: It’s free to attend, but we would buy a drink as a courtesy to the venue.
RSVP via Facebook or Eventbrite | January 21st, Tue 19:15 | Salon No. 10, Central
Meeting Format:
The host will welcome you at the venue and start with an introduction about the community and the topic of choice. Depending on how many people will attend, we split into sub-groups of 4-5 people for more detailed discussions. Within each subgroup, we will introduce ourselves (name, profession, hobby and fun fact) and begin a free-flowing discussion on the theme. That’s why it is important to prepare and read the suggested materials prior to the meeting. Questions, new paths for discussion, personal experience, and opinions are highly encouraged. We conclude the event with everyone sharing their takeaways on the subject.
The Economic Club of Hong Kong is a community of intellectually curious people. Events are organized by a group of passionate volunteers.
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Best Regards,
The Economic Club of Hong Kong Team
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(Newsletter: Geoffrey Cheng / The Economic Club of Hong Kong.)
Geoffrey Cheng 