FAQs

What’s Mondokio all about?

Mondokio lets you compare and contrast how news sources all over the world cover the same topics.

Why?

The problem we’re addressing is that you can't understand an international news story through just one, culturally specific news source. Doing so inevitably misrepresents the reality of that story.

How are the topics chosen?

The topics we cover are generally whatever the world is talking about at given moment. Most of the time, these stories have geo-political implications. Sometimes they’re just fascinating insights in how separate cultures are both different and similar!

What news sources do you use?

We use only the most influential sources from all over the world that cover international news.

Why do you include controversial sources?

A news source, whatever its quality, is the primary way its readers make sense of the world around them. It's our view that when you're attempting to engage someone in cross-cultural dialogue, you have first accept their reference point. It begins here, but considering the comparative environment of Mondokio, we expect you might find value in certain sources over others. But it’s not for Mondokio’s administrators to say what those sources should be. It's yours.

Where do you get your translations and videos?

Anyone can become a part of Mondokio by uploading videos, and/or translating articles. To learn more, click here.

How often is your coverage updated?

New articles are uploaded every day. You’ll see the new ones pulsing in green.

What are the videos for?

As you navigate through the site, you'll notice videos that correspond to the location of the news sources. These videos highlight the cultural dynamism of a particular region, and are there to provide you with insight into cultures that may be different from your own. These are randomized in the hopes you’ll find something cool you didn’t know about. They have NOTHING to do with the topics or articles on the site. New videos are uploaded on a regular basis.

Can I communicate with other Mondokio users?

Absolutely! As a registered user, you can chat with other registered users via Instant Messaging.

Are you trying to present news without bias?

Not really. We believe every news source presents the news with a unique perspective shaped by its location, its leadership, its audience, its language, and how it's financed. We’ve created a space to allow these perspectives—these "biases"—to flourish.

Do you think bias is bad?

No, it’s just usually misunderstood. Bias is simply the application of a point of view. In some cases, the word "bias" is used to describe a point of view that's different from our own. By thinking about bias in these terms, you can prevent yourself from considering that particular perspective. Who knows? Your beliefs might change.

What is your mission?

We believe each of us should take honest ownership for our own unique biases, while remaining open to biases that conflict with our own. As we have conversations in this light, we must permit these biases to change and evolve (or strengthen our existing convictions). In doing so, all of our biases can become less influenced by nationality, race, and culture, and more focused on what’s right and wrong. That’s the mission of Mondokio.

Do you have any affiliations of politics, culture, religion, race, ethnicity, or any objectives therein?

No.