Feb
18
KEY POINTS Video calls create the strongest sense of presence but can increase self-consciousness. Audio calls allow for spontaneous, deeper conversations with less pressure. Texting maintains an ongoing connection but doesn't replace real-time conversations. The key to strong friendships is finding ways to connect that feel natural for both of...
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Feb
05
AI influences our decisions and beliefs—and we even don’t notice—by taking advantage of our innate responses to novelty, interactivity, and social validation. My approach to new technology has always been, "It's not about the tools; it's about what people are trying to do with the tools." (Ask my students.) However,...
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Jan
09
Feeling anxious about the incoming administration? Can't stop reading the headlines and fearing the worst? Here are seven tips to help you protect your well-being in a contentious political environment. I have written about political stress and doomscrolling before, but I decided to revisit them because these are strategies we...
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Dec
20
Rewatching and sharing favorites improves mood, releases stress, builds rituals, and strengthens emotional connections. Key Points Anticipating familiar scenes in favorite movies triggers dopamine, making rewatching more rewarding. Rewatching holiday movies fosters tradition and enhances feelings of connection across generations. Revisiting favorites lowers cognitive load and reduces stress—it’s easier to...
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Oct
29
Teens face a new digital threat: deepfake nudes. Parents can help prevent this form of bullying by empowering teens with the skills and resources to be safer online.Easy-to-use deepfake apps allow quick creation of damaging and fake sexually explicit images.Creating and sharing these images often starts as a prank, thanks...
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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.