Why Storytelling Needs a Standard
Question to consider:
What do you think makes a story worth telling?
Storytelling, in all its forms, shapes how we perceive ourselves, our lives, and each other. But what happens when those stories are careless, misleading, or unethical?
From books and films to branding, marketing, and the ads that follow us everywhere online, stories are constantly shaping the world around us. Because storytelling is so pervasive, and powerful, it demands a standard.
Why Ethical Storytelling Matters
Have you ever watched a film or show and thought: “Why was this scene included? Did it actually serve the story?” That question has come up countless times in conversations I’ve had with others, and it reveals a deeper truth: not all stories are told with care.
Media and entertainment don’t just entertain us; they shape the way we think, especially for younger audiences. Platforms like YouTube and streaming services have added child-safety features, but concerns remain about the themes and messages embedded in content marketed toward children.
Take the documentary Child Star - it shined a spotlight on how children in the entertainment industry are often exploited, their narratives shaped by forces outside their control. It exposed the long-term consequences of harmful storytelling, from distorted identities to public misconceptions that ripple through culture. Contrast that with stories like Inside Out or Coco, which not only entertain but also teach empathy, celebrate culture, and model resilience. The difference between harmful and intentional storytelling isn’t small, it can define how entire generations see themselves.
Digital media is now one of the most powerful forces shaping culture, behavior, and generational norms. That reach can amplify good storytelling, but it also magnifies the damage when stories are irresponsible. Which is why now, more than ever, we need a higher standard.
The Inspiration Behind The Story Standard
The Story Standard was created as a space to ask harder questions about the stories we tell and consume. Stories are everywhere - on our screens, in our feeds, in the brands we trust. As our dependence on digital media grows, so does our responsibility to tell stories with intention.
This platform exists to challenge, reflect, and reimagine. To highlight where storytelling falls short, and to showcase what it looks like when it’s done with integrity. Every piece of content that enters the world carries influence; the question is whether it shapes us for better or worse.
What We Mean by a “Standard”
At its core, The Story Standard is about accountability. It’s not just a conversation, it’s a call to build principles we can hold stories to. Some of those core values include:
Integrity – telling stories truthfully and responsibly.
Respect – for audiences, subjects, and cultures represented.
Authenticity – avoiding stereotypes, tokenism, and erasure.
Impact – asking how a story will shape perceptions and experiences.
These values aren’t rules to limit creativity; they’re a framework to ensure storytelling strengthens rather than harms.
Looking Ahead
“The power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect us to something bigger than ourselves.” – Ken Burns
We are living through one of the fastest periods of technological change in history. In just two decades, media and communication have transformed dramatically, and with AI and new creative tools emerging daily, that pace is only accelerating.
Technology can amplify voices, connect communities, and expand imagination. But without care, it can just as easily distort truth or reinforce harmful narratives. Progress isn’t only about innovation, but also about integrity.
That’s why The Story Standard exists: to remind us that progress isn’t only about innovation, but also about integrity. If stories connect us to something bigger than ourselves, we should be asking: what kind of “bigger” are we building together?
Join Us
At The Story Standard, we invite creators, audiences, and communities to hold stories (and ourselves) to higher standards. Together, we can build a culture where stories inspire, connect, and uplift rather than mislead or exploit.
Because in the end, the stories we tell determine the world we create.
