Podcast Summary
Understanding Media Psychology and its Impact on Technology Use: Media psychology applies psychological principles to improve media design, development, and use, including technology like fitness trackers, which promote healthy habits while fostering social connection and competition.
Media psychology is an applied field that uses psychological principles to understand and improve the design, development, and use of media and technology. Media psychologists, like Pamela Rutledge, work with organizations and individuals to apply these principles. One area of interest is the use of technology to monitor and improve behavior, such as fitness trackers. While these devices can promote healthy habits, they also foster social connection and competition, which are important aspects of their impact. Psychologists are studying this phenomenon, known as the quantified self, to better understand how technology affects our behavior and how we can use it to improve our lives.
Wearable tech and smartphones for tracking mood and mental health: Wearable devices and smartphones are expanding beyond physical activity tracking to monitor mood and mental health. Apps like Spire measure breath to track stress levels, and future integration may involve more comprehensive mental health tracking.
Technology, specifically wearable devices and smartphones, are increasingly being used to track not just physical activity, but also mood and mental health. This was discussed in relation to the use of Jawbone and Fitbit, and the potential for smartphones to monitor depression based on movement patterns. The future of this technology was explored, with the idea that it will likely involve more integration and the tracking of mood as part of overall wellness. The use of apps like Spire, which measures breath to record stress levels, was mentioned as an example of this trend. Psychologists could potentially use such apps to help their clients make behavior changes and improve mental health. The discussion also touched on the individual empowerment and effectiveness of these tools when used in conjunction with therapy or coaching.
Understanding Human Behavior in the Digital Age: Media psychologists explore how new technologies impact human connections and emotions, fostering empathy and responsibility while establishing online boundaries and self-care practices.
While new technologies continually challenge media psychologists to stay updated, they also provide unique opportunities to study human behavior and emotions in the digital age. The technologies themselves are not the focus, but rather how they impact human connections and interactions. Contrary to popular belief, these technologies can foster empathy and responsibility, allowing people to form global connections and broaden their understanding of others. However, it's crucial for individuals to establish online boundaries and adapt their self-care practices to this new environment. Overall, media psychologists must keep up with the latest trends while ensuring that psychological theories remain relevant in the digital age.
The Power of Small Actions in Charity: Technology enables individuals to donate to causes they care about, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment, leading to increased participation and a more compassionate society.
The ability of people to quickly donate large sums of money to causes they care about through technology, as demonstrated by the Red Cross raising $5,000,000 in 24 hours after the Haitian earthquake, is a powerful reminder of the collective impact of small actions. While some may label this as "slacktivism," the fact that individuals are aware and willing to participate, even in small ways, makes them more likely to engage in future acts of charity. This sense of agency and empowerment can lead to increased participation and a more compassionate society. It's essential not to overlook the benefits of technology in facilitating social good, despite the challenges and the need for proper training. Thank you, Dr. Rutledge, for shedding light on this topic. For more information on Dr. Rutledge's work and to listen to more episodes, visit speakingofpsychology.org.
