Positively Media

Media

Are Our Kids Anxious or Just Unprepared?

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on September 16, 2024

A generation of anxious parents is buying into fear-based tech restrictions that will not protect kids nor prepare them for the digital world.

A generation of anxious parents is buying into fear-based tech restrictions that will not protect kids nor prepare them for the digital world.

Boredom

Why Scrolling Isn’t a Cure-All for Boredom

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on August 23, 2024

New research suggests that scrolling can increase boredom. However, boredom can be positive if you use it as a signal for change. Here are four tips to avoid getting more bored.

New research suggests that scrolling can increase boredom. However, boredom can be positive if you use it as a signal for change. Here are four tips to avoid getting more bored.

Media

Why Warning Labels on Social Media Miss the Mark

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on June 24, 2024

The Surgeon General proposed warning labels on social media—this oversimplifies the issue. Digital literacy, not fear and restriction, is key to helping our kids.

The Surgeon General proposed warning labels on social media—this oversimplifies the issue. Digital literacy, not fear and restriction, is key to helping our kids.

Stress

How to Protect Your Brain from Election Stress

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on June 4, 2024

Increased partisanship creates stress and anxiety, and strains relationships. Here are eight strategies to protect your well-being during the upcoming election season.

Increased partisanship creates stress and anxiety, and strains relationships. Here are eight strategies to protect your well-being during the upcoming election season.

Social Media

How to Protect Your Child's Digital Reputation

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on May 12, 2024

If your child is online, their online reputation is being formed. Here are six strategies to help kids build a positive digital presence.

If your child is online, their online reputation is being formed. Here are six strategies to help kids build a positive digital presence.

Stress

Are You at Risk for Computer Vision Syndrome?

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on April 5, 2024

Computer Vision Syndrome is common and preventable. Here are 8 easy self-care strategies to prevent digital eye strain.

Computer Vision Syndrome is common and preventable. Here are 8 easy self-care strategies to prevent digital eye strain.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Doesn't Change Why Kids Should Learn to Code

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on March 14, 2024

Kids should learn coding even though AI codes faster than people. Coding teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourages creativity, and boosts self-esteem.

Kids should learn coding even though AI codes faster than people. Coding teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourages creativity, and boosts self-esteem.

Cognition

Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Your Brain

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on March 7, 2024

Don't throw out your keyboards, but adding some writing by hand into our daily routines can increase insight, aid recall, and may protect against cognitive decline.

Don't throw out your keyboards, but adding some writing by hand into our daily routines can increase insight, aid recall, and may protect against cognitive decline.

Gender

Why It’s Good That Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel Cry on TV

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on March 6, 2024

Men like Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel are reshaping how we view the stigma around male vulnerability.

Men like Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel are reshaping how we view the stigma around male vulnerability.

Social Media

How Granfluencers are Breaking Stereotypes on TikTok

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on February 28, 2024

Senior Influencers, called Granfluencers, are challenging social media norms and gaining millions of followers on TikTok by defying ageist stereotypes and being real.

Senior Influencers, called Granfluencers, are challenging social media norms and gaining millions of followers on TikTok by defying ageist stereotypes and being real.

Social Media

Beyond Bans: How Can Teachers Tackle Social Media at School?

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on February 20, 2024

Banning devices does not stop after-school social media use and the social drama, bullying, and exclusion that disrupt classrooms. Here are 5 tips from the front lines.

Banning devices does not stop after-school social media use and the social drama, bullying, and exclusion that disrupt classrooms. Here are 5 tips from the front lines.

Consumer Behavior

The Super Bowl Ad Game: What Makes a Brand Fumble?

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on February 17, 2024

Emotions and celebrities took the center field at Super Bowl LVIII, but psychology shows where brands connect or fumble: CeraVe got it right, and Dove may have missed the mark.

Emotions and celebrities took the center field at Super Bowl LVIII, but psychology shows where brands connect or fumble: CeraVe got it right, and Dove may have missed the mark.

Media

How to Use SWOT Analysis to Balance Media Habits

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on January 19, 2024

COVID-19 changed media habits. Here’s how to use SWOT analysis to evaluate your media habits and ensure they support your current life goals and well-being.

COVID-19 changed media habits. Here’s how to use SWOT analysis to evaluate your media habits and ensure they support your current life goals and well-being.

Parenting

Digital Parenting: Balancing Privacy and Sharing

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on January 14, 2024

"Growing Up in Public," a new book by Devorah Heitner, explains how parents can support kids so they successfully navigate their digital worlds.

"Growing Up in Public," a new book by Devorah Heitner, explains how parents can support kids so they successfully navigate their digital worlds.

Parenting

How Holiday Sharenting Can Put Your Kids at Risk

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on December 19, 2023

Many parents share their kids' images online without considering the consequences on their personal and social identities. Here are four things to consider about sharenting.

Many parents share their kids' images online without considering the consequences on their personal and social identities. Here are four things to consider about sharenting.

Stress

Why Holiday Movies Can Combat Loneliness and Stress

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on December 3, 2023

Holiday movies are integral to Christmas traditions for many people. They can also reduce stress and increase feelings of connection.

Holiday movies are integral to Christmas traditions for many people. They can also reduce stress and increase feelings of connection.

Media

Squid Game: Is It Ethical to Turn Violence Into Reality TV?

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on November 24, 2023

'Squid Game: The Challenge' rewards antisocial behavior in pursuit of personal reward but without the social message of the original. Why do we watch it?

'Squid Game: The Challenge' rewards antisocial behavior in pursuit of personal reward but without the social message of the original. Why do we watch it?

Adolescence

Leveling Up: Parent Controls to Fit Your Child's Development

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on November 9, 2023

Developmentally appropriate video game controls emphasize the dynamic nature of a kid's growth.

Developmentally appropriate video game controls emphasize the dynamic nature of a kid's growth.

Parenting

How and Why to Use Parental Controls in Video Games

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on November 8, 2023

There are smart safety measures in video game parental controls. Here’s how and why to use them.

There are smart safety measures in video game parental controls. Here’s how and why to use them.

Media

7 Strategies to Help Kids Cope With War Images in the Media

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A. on October 28, 2023

War videos on TikTok are getting billions of views, spreading confusion and anxiety. These digital literacy skills can help kids manage distressing content.

War videos on TikTok are getting billions of views, spreading confusion and anxiety. These digital literacy skills can help kids manage distressing content.