Research

Links, studies, and tools for Youthbuild teachers

Mindset Digital // August 6, 2012

We are very excited to present at YouthBuild USA’s 7th Annual Instructional Leadership Institute. We will be talking about how the global rise of digital communications has changed the world, including our classrooms. But our talk isn’t all big picture. We’ll also show off a dozen or more tools anyone...

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A game for healing brains

Rob Messinger // June 14, 2012

Could a video game really help people suffering from brain injuries? A Los Angeles company working for the Department of Defense thinks so. It's part of a growing effort to use games in health care and other industries — and for purposes far beyond having fun. Blue Marble Game Co. developed The...

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How viral is your message?

Rob Messinger // June 12, 2012

How do you know if your Facebook efforts are working? You've started to build an audience, but we all know that isn't the point. Ultimately, you want to be doing something with those people, such as generating sales, collecting referrals, opening conversations or building trust. To use the power of social networking...

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Gandma’s probably online

Rob Messinger // June 7, 2012

Remember when technology was the province of the young -- when older people considered it too much trouble to take on the latest tools? The young still lead the way, but there is a lot of evidence that older Americans are part of the new realities. Today's example: A new Pew Internet...

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Who’s on Twitter?

Rob Messinger // June 4, 2012

Twitter has an interesting demographic ripple that goes against the trend among Internet use in general, according to a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The survey found that black adults are more likely to use Twitter than white or Latino ones. That goes against the general...

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Power of a Gaze

Mindset Digital // May 30, 2012

An eye-tracking study of Pinterest users in Mashable yesterday offered several important findings, but I'd like to zero in on one that has changed how I think about using pictures of people in everything from Powerpoint slides to Facebook to website design. (more…)...

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Listen Up: The Secret to Social Media Success

Mindset Digital // May 23, 2012

A study from Harvard University recently found that people like to talk about themselves (shocker, I know), and that talking about ourselves on social media stimulates the same part of our brain that gets excited when we eat, get money or have sex. Like people, brands love to talk about themselves...

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Goodbye, facebook ‘friends’

Rob Messinger // May 18, 2012

Facebook's initial public offering today has lots of folks weighing in. The social network is nearing a billion users and gazillion dollars. I liked what the Pew Internet & American Life Project had to say. Researchers there compiled survey results over time to explain how people have used the site. One of the...

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When should you post?

Rob Messinger // May 15, 2012

A recently bit.ly analysis offered some advice for that persistent question. The URL-shortening service doesn't collect data on everything published on these sites, so take these points as food for thought — not authoritative guidance. What bit.ly said: Twitter: For Twitter, posting in the afternoon earlier in the week is your best chance...

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Surprise? Nonprofits’ top goal isn’t money

Rob Messinger // May 14, 2012

The vast majority of charities are using social media, but maybe not for the reason you would think. Several national studies — of nonprofits big and small — say that fundraising isn't a primary reason that charities are using Facebook, Twitter and other channels. Instead, they're using social media primarily to raise...

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