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 matter how much data we gather, algorithms we write, entertainment we market or apps we develop if, at the end of the day, we aren’t thinking about how what we do reflects and benefits people as individuals and across society.
Given my passion for the field, I was highly honored to be chosen among so many worthy colleagues as the 2020 Recipient of the Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to the Field of Media Psychology from the American Psychological Association’s Division 46 for Media Psychology and Technology. My heartfelt thanks to Division 46 and congratulations to the other award winners: Distinguished Lifetime Contributions recipient Dr. Mary Alvord, Early Career Professional Contributions recipient Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, and Student Dissertation recipient Dr. Yemaya Halbrook.
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.