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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Jun
10
According to Miriam Webster, doomscrolling and doomsurfing are new terms that describe continuous scrolling or surfing through negative news, even when it is depressing, demoralizing, distressing, or painful. Many people have found themselves continuously reading bad news about COVID-19 or the protests and police violence without the ability to stop...
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Mar
25
Last week we were worried about the negative impact of cellphone overuse. Now we’re worried about staying employed, entertained and connected. It’s funny how a little pandemic shifts your opinion. In trying to decide about the impact of media consumption, I pay attention to how people use devices and what...
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Mar
20
'Contagion’ is now the second most-streamed movie behind Harry Potter. Why watch a show that scares us when we have a pandemic in real life? Because thrillers and horror movies can increase feelings of safety and decrease fear. There are big takeaways in the popularity of 'Contagion' for brands and organizations about what people need and...
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Mar
15
I'm a big fan of data visualization because mages can make complex things compelling. Few things are more complex than the wide-reaching implications of a pandemics like COVID-19. An article by Harry Stevens in The Washington Post includes a series of interactive graphics that demonstrate the power of contagion and...
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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.