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The Psychology of Away Messages

November 23, 2009 By 5 Comments
away

Are there psychological implications of chat status in GChat or iChat or AIM?  Think of them as today’s answering machines. They are an opportunity to express some aspect of yourself.  Sort of like vanity plates without the level of commitment or having to stand in line at the DMV. Away messages vary (one hopes) depending upon whether the chat account is used for business or personal, but all messages display shades of personality and technological expertise.  Their brevity demands that you tap into existing social metaphors if you want to deliver a message, such as obtuse references and in-jokes that only certain people will get or that evoke a commonly accepted stereotype.   Nevertheless, our personality does dictate how we interact with the world.  Why should status messages be any different? If you use the supplied away messages and you’re young(ish), it means you can’t be bothered with something so trivial as customizing your chat status message and besides, you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture & Society

“Did You Know” Version 4: Media Convergence

November 10, 2009 By 1 Comment

A reader of the PT blog let me know that there is a new version of the "Did You Know" video. It really summarizes the convergence of media technologies in a powerful way. I included Version 3 at the end of my last post because it is a wake-up call about the impact of population changes that underscore the need for education as well as the social impact of technological change. (And the music is better.)  Version 4 takes a different tone but is equally impressive. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture & Society Tagged With: ,

Want to Keep Your Job? Get More Education

November 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Education and online learning

A version of this  article ran on PsychologyToday.com in my blog "Positively Media." A recent survey by the Career College Association reported that 9 out of 10 Americans think college is important for career opportunities and 67% believe that education is the key to competitiveness in the global economy. Turns out education can also be the key to keeping your job in an economic downturn. Recent employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that not only do people with more education earn more, but in tough times like these, education provides a buffer against unemployment. The unemployment rate for people with a bachelor's degree or higher as of October 2009 was 4.6%. However, compare that to the percent of people out of work with less than a high school diploma-- 14%. When it comes to unemployment, 10% is a lot. The desire for more employment options is also fueling a spike in enrollment of adults returning to school. The good news is that technology can … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , ,

What Courses Should I Take to Study Media Psychology?

November 4, 2009 By 1 Comment

Wondering what courses make up a media psychology curriculum is common particularly among people thinking about the next steps in their education.   Recently a young woman from Athlone High School for Girls in South Africa posed this  question, so I am sharing my response here.  It is exciting to hear that people all around the world are becoming aware of the importance of psychology in addressing media and technology in our daily lives. Media psychology, while based in psychology, is transdisciplinary.  You will want a working understanding of several areas of psychology, sociology, and (surprise!) design.  You will also want good communication skills and actual (not theoretical) experience with media applications.  Each person develops their own interests that will involve more targeted learning. Start with a broad view of psychology, including developmental, cognitive, and social. When you are thinking about how people use, develop or are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, Psychology