Aug
05
Media psychology is an applied field. The value comes from applying what we learn from research and theory to the real world. I am proud to be among those who use psychology as the basis for media and technology research, use and development. Psychology keeps my work human-centric. It doesn't...
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Aug
05
It's easy to underestimate the importance of media literacy. Media literacy isn't just about evaluating media content, although that's important. Media literacy is a set of tools that promote critical thinking and awareness of the behavioral and structural issues we all face as we navigate our increasingly digital world. This...
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Jul
22
Lessons from the Virtual Media Psychology Symposium Now that Fielding Graduate University’s first Media Psychology Symposium is over, I have time to reflect on the experience. The symposium was held virtually over two days (July 16 and 17) on Zoom, rather than in Chicago in-person, due to COVID-19. COVID or...
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Jun
20
The voice of reason is entirely missing when stories activate fight or flight. Anything that is perceived as an attack on beliefs, identity or affiliation shuts down cognitive processes and makes collaboration difficult, if not impossible. Narratives reveal core values that have to be addressed for both groups for compromise...
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Jun
17
The pandemic, politics, and social protests make this a particularly volatile time--emotions are on edge and tension is high. This is a time when we are all vulnerable to embracing stories based on our emotions and fears--stories that confirm our beliefs and rationalize our behavior. When it comes to stories,...
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Dr. Pamela Rutledge is available to reporters for comments on the psychological and social impact of media and technology on individuals, society, organizations and brands.