Blog

Jan 15
Parasocial relationship make characters feel real. Losing a loved character feels like the loss of a real friend

Why We Mourn TV Dad Bob Saget

Why are so many people mourning the death of Bob Saget? Parasocial relationships describe the emotional connection we experience with loved characters and celebrities.KEY POINTS:TV dads are idealized versions of the fathers we’d all love to haveA parasocial relationship describes the one-sided emotional attachment we feel to real and fictional... read more →
Dec 15

Are Tech Gifts Bad for My Kids?

Technology tops kids’ holiday wishlistsCovid changed kids' expectations about digital devicesDecide if your child is mature enough by discussing with them the benefits and risks of any connected technologyUse a written technology 'contract' that spells out privileges and responsibilities so you and your child are on the same pageTech is... read more →
Nov 30

The Psychology of Peloton’s Appeal (or What Keeps Us Riding)

Successful virtual exercise experiences targets agency, mastery and social connection to inspire intrinsic motivation KEY POINTS Covid made hybrid experiences more acceptable and even desirableSelf-determination theory is a framework for evaluating technology experience, focusing on core needs: agency, competence, and social connectionDesigned well, technology can contribute to the satisfaction of... read more →
Oct 14
Oct 09