Positively Media

How we connect and thrive through emerging technologies.

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A.

Why Kids Love TikTok Challenges

Fun, dumb, or dangerous? TikTok challenges may have appeal because they offer connection and belonging.

Mindful Media on TikTok?

Intentionally slow videos stand in contrast to the warp-speed pacing of most social media. They can feel therapeutic because they focus your attention on the moment.

Do You Rely on Facebook to Police Online Behavior?

We are offloading our responsibilities as citizens and parents by expecting social platforms to identify and remove misinformation or inciting and abusive content. Here's why.

Why Do We Like Holiday Movies?

Turning to entertainment for comfort and escape might be more important than ever during COVID. Why do holiday movies make us so happy?

How Technology Can Help You Conquer COVID Holidays

Want to overcome the COVID holiday challenge of creating meaningful social connections while distancing? These eight steps show you how to use technology as must-have survival gear.

Suffering From Zoom Fatigue? Here’s Why

Video conferencing is skyrocketing thanks to COVID. Now we have a new form of burnout: Zoom fatigue. There are good reasons why. Are there solutions?

Why Politicians' Kids Publicly Take On Their Parents

Kids of politicians are making news by speaking up to discourage voters from supporting their parents. Typical teenage rebellion? That’s far too simplistic.

Struggling With Election Anxiety?

Continually checking your cellphone, scrolling through news stories, or having news cycle fatigue? You can take steps to keep your stress in check.

The Social Dilemma: A Horror Film in Documentary Clothing

"The Social Dilemma" is disturbing, in part because it uses many of the same persuasive techniques vilified in the documentary to tell its story.

Finding a Date in a Politically Polarized World

Political polarization increases attention to political affiliation on dating apps. Before you swipe left, remember that labels do not always predict beliefs or values.

Too Stressed to Commit? The Popularity of Half-Hour Shows

Are our attention spans totally spent to the point where watching a whole hour of TV is impossible? Or are half-hour shows just more binge-worthy?

What I Learned From the Virtual Media Psychology Symposium

An online symposium has the same benefits as online education: wider reach, easier access, and richer, more diverse content.

How Stories Spread Conflict: The Face Mask Culture Wars

Narratives reveal core values. There is no "changing the other guy's mind" when the fundamental worldview is so different, such as over face masks and social distancing.

Beware: A Good Story Makes Us Vulnerable to Persuasion

Our instinctive need for safety makes us vulnerable to narratives that provide easy answers.

Our Brains Are Hardwired to Doomscroll: What Can We Do?

Many people have found themselves continuously reading bad news about COVID-19 or police violence without the ability to stop or step back.

Pandemic FOMO: How Much News Is Too Much?

Last week, we were worried about the negative impact of cellphone overuse. Now we’re worried about staying connected. But how much is too much?

Why Is the Movie "Contagion" So Popular During a Pandemic?

Why watch a movie that scares us when we have a pandemic in real life? Thrillers give viewers psychological pay-offs that make them feel better.

How to Talk to Your Kids About a Global Health Crisis

Trying to get answers makes us feel safer. This isn’t just true of adults. It’s true for kids, too.

Netflix Is VRBO for the Brain: The Power of Entertainment

Stories enable self-reflection, emotional connection, increased empathy and can have real-life impact. What’s not to like?

Why Do Kids Love Unboxing Videos?

Unboxing videos are big business, especially with kids. They are popular because they trigger our interest and emotions by telling simple stories.

Why Are Celebrities Targets for Haters?

A recent celebrity suicide has underscored the dangers of cyberbullying no matter the source.

Why New Year's Resolutions Belong in February

New Year's resolutions are great, except we start the year with low cognitive reserves. That makes February a better time to make lasting change.

Political Messaging: Emotions Win

As politicians anticipate the primaries, their success will boil down to the art of storytelling and the psychological impact of language, images, archetypes, and emotions.

Ring Around Your Nest: Spying, Surveillance or Monitoring?

The rapid rise in home security cameras enabled by low-cost, DIY options, raises a host of questions that we aren’t yet equipped to answer.

What Do Parents Hope to Get Out of Parental Controls?

Parental controls don’t teach good habits and critical thinking that are transferable. They should be viewed as training wheels until a kid finds his or her balance.

Internet Addiction Becomes Fear-Based Political Currency

“Internet Addiction” isn’t in the DSM-5. Yet, some politicians are flogging legislation as a cure to this scourge.

The Impact of Location-Tracking Apps on Relationships

Digital monitoring tools like Life360 let users track the location of family and friends, forcing us to address the psychological impact on relationships and trust.

Should You Share Images of Your Kids Online?

Why do parents share or overshare about their kids' lives online? It’s a combination of pride, joy, identity, social validation, and maybe a little recklessness.

Influencer Wars: Every Brand Story Needs Conflict

A public feud shows how conflict energized the brand narratives of two beauty influencers and propelled them into (almost) household names.

Will Instagram Users Like Hidden Likes?

Instagram is going to experiment with hiding Likes to everyone except the account owner to focus users more on connecting and less on competing. Good goal, but it won't work.

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