Ever wonder why some people like spoilers, why we sometimes cry while watching the Olympics, or why the Duolingo owl is so darn mean?
Faculty experts from Whittier College frequently share their wisdom with the national news media, on topics ranging from political satire to anxiety to Airbnbs. Here are some examples from this year. Check the Whittier website or follow Whittier College on social media for more.
In September, Time interviewed Social Psychology Professor Christina Scott (left) about the psychology of spoilers, for an article titled “In Defense of Spoiling the End of the TV Show.” Scott shared, “There’s enough ambiguity and stress — enough cliffhangers in real-life existence" that some viewers prefer to avoid suspense altogether. For a July story in Parents, Scott provided tips for supporting LGBTQ teens.
Also in July, Associate Professor of Business Administration and Marketing Kristen Smirnov shared her perspective on the marketing strategy behind language learning app Duolingo for Business Insider. To keep people engaged, she said, brands tap into their desire to avoid friction, part of the same formula for keeping people hooked on free-to-play gaming apps like “Candy Crush.”