humaninterest

Human interest refers to stories and topics that center on the lives, experiences, and concerns of people, especially individuals or communities, with the aim of evoking empathy, sympathy, or curiosity. In journalism, literature, and broadcasting, these pieces emphasize personal detail, emotion, and narrative over abstract analysis or institutional perspectives.

In media practice, human-interest content complements hard news by providing relatable context and memorable portraits of real people. It may profile someone facing a challenge, celebrate an achievement, or illuminate a broader social issue through a concrete personal story. Such material appears in newspapers, magazines, television segments, radio features, and online outlets.

Typical features include a focal character, a clear setting, concrete details, quotes, and a narrative arc that follows a challenge, turning point, or outcome. The writing often emphasizes ordinary or extraordinary human experiences rather than abstract data, though it can still connect individual stories to larger themes or policies.

Historically, the term gained prominence with the rise of mass media in the 20th century and has since become a staple element of feature and soft news. Modern practice seeks a balance between engaging storytelling and responsible reporting, acknowledging that human-interest stories can illuminate issues while requiring careful attention to accuracy and context.

Ethical considerations include consent and privacy, avoiding exploitation or stereotyping, and ensuring that emotional appeal does not overshadow factual accuracy or dignity. Critics warn against sensationalism or reducing people to mere subjects of sympathy.