Recent Tools & Tips

Social Media Gives New Meaning to Emotional Contagion

Can we ‘catch’ emotions from others? Elaine Hatfield, author of the acclaimed book Emotional Contagion, first published in 1994, said yes — and many others have come to agree. The rise of social media since 1994 makes this work even more useful today.

Recent research has focused on emotional contagion through social media. Facebook users exposed to newsfeeds with fewer negative words made fewer negative posts themselves, and those exposed to fewer positive words made fewer positive posts. Similarly, a study of YouTube viewers who watched positive videos experienced more positive emotions; the same held true for negative posts. Important learning, I’d say.

Though the book can be somewhat dense and technical, it’s worth having on your shelf as a reference, if not to read cover to cover.

Recent Tools & Tips

You and Your Young Adult Child — A Review

In You and Your Young Adult Child, Laurence Steinberg offers useful advice for parents of 20-somethings.

The LOVE Prescription — A Review

In The LOVE Prescription, John and Julie Schwartz Gottman offer a seven-day step-by-step manual to help those looking to improve their relationship.

Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity and Change — A Review

In Keep Moving, Maggie Smith collects inspirational quotes and short essays to help people going through difficult times.

The 5 Love Languages — A Review

The 5 Love Languages helps committed partners better understand, and love, each other.