Psychology of Media & Technology
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Psychology of Media & Technology
The science behind media behaviors
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Scooped by Dr. Pamela Rutledge
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Social media and COVID shaming: Fighting a toxic combination

Social media and COVID shaming: Fighting a toxic combination | Psychology of Media & Technology | Scoop.it
In the spring, Rick Rose drew the wrath of strangers after he practically shouted on Facebook that he wasn’t buying a face mask. Two months later, he contracted COVID-19 — and, he posted, he was...
Dr. Pamela Rutledge's insight:

 Between politics and the fallout from COVID-19, fear and anxiety are at an all time high .  People shame or stigmatize when they feel threatened to restore their internal sense of order.  Othering creates a narrative that explains and and assigns blame--if we have something or someone to blame, we feel safer.  The veneer of civility has been worn thin by an unseen enemy and massive misinformation.  Not wearing a mask denies the existence of a threat that many know is real from firsthand experience.  It signals that someone cares more about themselves than others or the community and disregards the magnitude of loss. It's not surprising to see a "serves you right" response to reduce cognitive dissonance as people look for order and logic (moral or otherwise) an uncertain world.  #shaming #COVID #masks #stigma

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Scooped by Dr. Pamela Rutledge
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Why We Can't Stop Bingeing Old Shows During The Pandemic : NPR

Why We Can't Stop Bingeing Old Shows During The Pandemic : NPR | Psychology of Media & Technology | Scoop.it

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks to media psychologist Pamela Rutledge about how our brains are responding to the pandemic and driving our TV viewing choices. Hint: We're craving predictability.

Dr. Pamela Rutledge's insight:

During COVID isolation and stress, we crave social connection and comfort.  What better than visiting old "friends" in our favorite sit-coms?  We get the neuro benefits of familiar plots, happy endings and characters we care about.  It's the next best thing to being there. #mediapsychology 

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