If you know me, you know it's weird for me to bash an app. Usually, I'm one of the people extolling the virtues of technology. There are limits, however, and the new Peeple app crosses the line. Peeple lets you rate everyone from your friends, neighbors and co-workers to ex-romantic partners just like you... read more →
Sep
24
The rapid change in mobile capabilities and use presents challenges for everyone with a stake in understanding how and why people use mobile devices and how they think about them. Tech and media design is a chess game, although few approach it that way. Human behavior is not driven by... read more →
Sep
23
In the latest news story related to ‘death by selfie,’ a 66-year-old Japanese tourist fell down a flight of steps at the Taj Mahal. We increasingly hear reports of death and injury attributed to selfie-taking. The emphasis on selfie-driven mayhem skews our selfie-related fears and also fans the underlying message... read more →
Sep
16
Mark Zuckerberg is talking about the introduction of a dislike button on Facebook (see coverage in NBCNews.com or BBC News). Reaction has been mixed. From my vantage, people may Like the idea, even if they don’t get how it’s supposed to be used. Marketers, however, will face muddier waters such as figuring out... read more →
Aug
27
Public acts of violence are just that, public. They are meant to be overt demonstrations of the perpetrator's power and purpose, offsetting feelings of alienation and powerlessness that are associated with such acts. In focusing on social media and this distribution, however, we lose sight of the contribution that mental... read more →
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.