Peter Stearns makes some interesting arguments about the level of fear in American society in his 2006 book American Fear. His main thesis is how America has become fixated on controlling fear which makes them vulnerable to the manipulation of fear and anxiety by politicians, media, and terrorists. This reiterates... read more →
Mar
26
Mar
25
A recent report says that while cardiovascular strength adds up, lifting weights that are too light doesn't do much to build muscle. It is important to tax the muscles to get them to respond. The same is true in learning. If you don't have to try, you won't get much... read more →
Mar
24
It is important for those of us interested in the field of Media Psychology to consider first and foremost what this discipline of Psychology is. Traditionally, it has been seen as the psychologist in the media (such as Dr. Phil or Dr. Ruth). This is an outdated notion to me. ... read more →
Mar
21
Gibson guitars is suing Activision for patent violation in Activision's wildly popular Guitar Hero according to a story posted by Reuters. This is just one more example of how the proliferation of media technologies is changing the way we understand our world. Trying to apply old rules and old thinking... read more →
Mar
10
I had a discussion with a reporter from a German newspaper last week. She was interested in the American take on Reality TV—specifically about humiliation and debasement as a form of entertainment. She asked, should there be similar legislation against public humiliation as there is against profanity, sexual and violent... 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.