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Kara Alaimo, PhD

@karaalaimo.bsky.social
580 followers 186 following 81 posts

FDU communication professor writing for CNN. Author of "Over the Influence" Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back." I research and write about issues affecting women/girls and what social media is doing to us all.

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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/09/11/h...
cnn.com
How warnings can help persuade kids to curb their social media use | CNN
Parents concerned about their kids’ use of social media should consider the findings of a new study on the effectiveness of warnings about these online platforms.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I wrote this piece for TIME: time.com/article/2026...
time.com
Why You Shouldn’t Work on Labor Day
Labor Day is an obvious prompt for U.S. lawmakers to consider a right to disconnect, writes Kara Alaimois.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/08/18/h...
cnn.com
Creating nude deepfakes is rampant among young people — and AI safety education is lacking | CNN
Only 30% of teens say a teacher has spoken about using AI safely, according to a new survey. The results suggest guidance on AI literacy isn’t happening in class.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/08/13/h...
cnn.com
‘Stop the swirl’: How to carve out more time in your day | CNN
Accepting blame for things that aren’t your fault and thanking people for criticism can be good for you. Expert Neal Schore explains why in his new book.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/08/03/h...
cnn.com
If your kid doesn’t want to go back to school, punishment isn’t the answer | CNN
Many US schools will start again soon, and some parents will face kids who don’t want to go back. An expert has advice on how to handle this common problem.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/07/29/h...
cnn.com
If you’re crabby and stressed, it may because you’re online too much | CNN
If you’re feeling grumpy or stressed at work, school or in your relationships, you may be spending too much time online. Here’s what you can do next.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/07/02/h...
cnn.com
Battling with kids over devices? Here are the best ways to enforce screen time rules | CNN
Specific parenting practices such as putting away devices at night and making meals screen-free can improve kids’ experiences with screens, two recent studies show.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/06/29/h...
cnn.com
2nd-largest US school district bans screens for young kids. How to push for change where you are | CNN
The L.A. Unified School District is set to roll out one of the nation’s strictest no-screens policies. Here’s how parents can advocate for their own kids’ classes.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I was interviewed for this piece: www.cnn.com/2026/06/15/h...
cnn.com
Parents who track adult children say it eases anxiety. But is it safer? | CNN
More than half of parents say they track their adult children, a new poll found. Does tracking your child make them safer than not tracking them? Experts weigh in.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/06/04/h...
cnn.com
We won’t know what screen time is doing to kids’ brains for decades, expert warns | CNN
Need a reason not to give your child a screen? It may permanently alter their brain during a critical period of development researchers have named the ‘criticome.’
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/06/01/h...
cnn.com
Students learn less when they use tech. So why do schools keep giving kids devices? | CNN
Many parents know they should limit kids’ screen time at home. Teachers, however, may not set those rules, and their absence is hurting kids’ academic performance.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
My latest for CNN, on why we need to (literally) step away from our screens www.cnn.com/2026/05/25/h...
cnn.com
Cut fatigue and increase focus with short movement breaks | CNN
Sitting all day may be killing us, but taking quick breaks may be the way to save ourselves — and become more productive.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
At the CNN mothership in Atlanta to talk about the surgeon general's new advisory on kids and screens.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
At the CNN mothership in Atlanta to talk about the surgeon general's new advisory on kids and screens.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
I was interviewed for CNN's coverage of the surgeon general's new advisory about kids' screen time: www.cnn.com/2026/05/20/h...
cnn.com
New surgeon general’s advisory raises alarm about screen time risks for kids and teens | CNN
Too much screen use among kids and teens – including endless social media scrolling, nonstop texting and hours of video games – can be harmful, and it has become a public health concern in the United ...
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/05/06/h...
cnn.com
Connecting with people online can leave you lonelier | CNN
Social media isn’t likely to strengthen your friendships, even your close ones, and could even make you lonelier found a new study focused on adults.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
My latest for CNN www.cnn.com/2026/04/28/h...
cnn.com
Critical thinking can keep kids safe online and prepare them for the future | CNN
The University of Auckland’s Dr. Maree Davies recommends teaching kids critical thinking to show them how to be safe and in control online.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/04/17/h...
cnn.com
It’s not impossible to take away your kid’s devices. How to do it without big battles | CNN
Cutting your kids’ technology use sounds good — until the arguments begin. Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff walks parents through how they can achieve this “impossible” feat.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/03/27/h...
cnn.com
After two jury verdicts against social media companies, it’s time to reexamine your kids’ tech use | CNN
The rulings against YouTube and Meta present an excellent chance for parents to rethink and reset how their kids interact with social media, expert Kara Alaimo says.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/03/25/h...
cnn.com
You aren’t a bad mother. Here’s why | CNN
Women are constantly being told they’re bad parents, and believing those accusations can be bad for their mental health, Here’s what author Ej Dickson does about it.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/h...
cnn.com
Why you should tell a friend about that embarrassing thing that happened | CNN
You should share personal things with others to help deepen relationships vital to your life, behavioral scientist Leslie John argues in her new book, “Revealing.”
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/02/23/h...
cnn.com
Landlines are ringing in homes again. Why parents are happy about that | CNN
Some parents say that bringing back landlines is benefiting their kids. This retro technology is delaying social media use and improving communication skills.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/01/27/h...
cnn.com
The key to a fulfilling life? Feeling like you matter to others | CNN
Behind acts of road rage or incivility are a desperate need to matter to other people, says Jennifer Breheny Wallace in her new book on the value of mattering.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2026/01/05/h...
cnn.com
Your kids are spending so much more time on their phones at school than you think | CNN
Adolescents spend an average of 70 minutes of their school days on their phones, new research finds. But parents can help suggest ways kids not use phones at school.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/12/09/h...
cnn.com
Should parents outside Australia adopt the country’s social media ban? Our kids may thank us later | CNN
Your children don’t need a ban on social media for teens under age 16 for you to remove their access to social media. We know it makes them less healthy and happy
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/12/01/h...
cnn.com
Smartphones could be putting your kids at risk | CNN
A new study on smartphone use and its effect on adolescents’ health may be one more reason parents should hold off on getting their kids the devices.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/10/28/h...
cnn.com
You haven’t screwed up your kids by letting them use social media. An expert has tips for what to do | CNN
In her new book, “Smartphone Nation,” social media expert Kaitlyn Regehr helps parents manage their digital media consumption and teach kids healthy tech habits.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/h...
cnn.com
Kids are getting smartphones at much younger ages than many experts recommend. How to handle it | CNN
Technology use is prevalent for most kids, including younger ones. Here’s how parents can limit use of smartphones and social media before children are old enough.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/h...
cnn.com
What your teenage son is really seeing on social media, according to new survey | CNN
Most teen boys are exposed to “digital masculinity,” with posts showing up in their feeds that criticize their body, their emotions and girls, a new survey says.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/10/07/h...
cnn.com
Exhausted? The reason may be how you’re using technology | CNN
Changing how you use technology can help ease exhaustion. Technology management expert Paul Leonardi explains why and gives tips in his new book, “Digital Exhaustion.”
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
I was interviewed by CNN about a movement of teens rejecting social media: www.cnn.com/2025/09/17/h...
cnn.com
She started the ‘Log Off Movement.’ Here’s why Gen Z chooses to leave social media | CNN
Gen Z tech activist Emma Lembke is one of a growing number of young adults leading a movement to take back control of their attention — by logging off.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
I’m delighted to share the cover of the Turkish edition of OVER THE INFLUENCE, being published by one of the country’s biggest publishing houses next month. I’m told the title translates to ONLINE TRAPS.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I spoke to a reporter for Fortune about how chief executives' bad behavior affects the reputations of their companies: fortune.com/2025/09/03/u...
fortune.com
From US Open 'hat thief' to Coldplay affair: CEOs keep going viral for bad behavior
Smartphones are turning CEO scandals into viral spectacles, and boards are scrambling to respond to the changing environment.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I was interviewed by KTVU News in California about the lawsuit against OpenAI after a teen's suicide: www.ktvu.com/video/1698753
ktvu.com
KTVU News at Noon
The family of a Southern California teen is suing San Francisco-based OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT. The suit claims the chatbot helped their son create a detailed plan for his suicide.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/h...
cnn.com
Your kid is using AI for homework this year. Now what? | CNN
Parents need to talk to their kids about when they should — and shouldn’t — use AI this school year. Here’s how to ensure AI is a tool, not a shortcut.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/08/14/h...
cnn.com
Teenage brains were stressed even before smartphones. How can you help your teen handle the strain? | CNN
Journalist Matt Richtel sheds light on the teen mental health crisis and what can be done about it in his new book, “How We Grow Up: Understanding Adolescence.”
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/h...
cnn.com
Here’s why teens don’t belong on dating apps | CNN
New research suggests teens are using dating apps more than parents realize. Here’s why parents should talk to their kids about the risks of online dating platforms.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
My latest for CNN. This research is truly alarming. www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/h...
cnn.com
Don’t give children under age 13 smartphones, new research says | CNN
Using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids’ mental health, according to a new study based on self-reports in a survey of nearly 2 million people in 163 countries.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
I was interviewed for this piece on the website of The Fourth Effect, a platform that matches women with board seats, and I couldn't agree with this message more. www.thefourtheffect.com/blog/why-you...
thefourtheffect.com
Why Your Ideal Customer Profile Belongs in Your Boardroom — The Fourth Effect
Kara Alaimo didn’t just join Jackalo’s board. She became their biggest strategic advantage. As a mom and their ideal customer, she brings real-time insight into what truly drives buying decisions. He...
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
One more piece from me for CNN earlier this week. amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/07/...
amp.cnn.com
Cell phone use affects parent-child interactions, even when adults aren’t online | CNN
You may have stopped scrolling your feed to play with your child, but your attention may still be with your social media, not with your kid, finds a new study.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
For CNN today, I wrote about kids using AI companions as friends. www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/h...
cnn.com
Kids are asking AI companions to solve their problems, according to a new study. Here’s why that’s a problem | CNN
Nearly three-quarters of teens have used AI companions, and half use them regularly, new research finds. Moreover, one-third turn to chatbots for social interactions.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Reliable Sources wrote about my training sessions trying to convince summer camp counselors to put their phones away for the summer: view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/175...
view.newsletters.cnn.com
Hey, good morning. Here's the latest on Fred Pleitgen, Sam Altman, Kaitlan Collins, Tucker Carlson, Jessica Kurdali, David Ellison, Emily Jashinsky, "28 Days Later," and more...
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
My latest for CNN www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/h...
cnn.com
When kids use screens, parents worry about the wrong thing, new study suggests | CNN
Does your kid often neglect home responsibilities or schoolwork to play video games or scroll social media? They may be addicted. Here’s how to help them.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
For Father's Day, I wrote about why dads in the US need paid paternity leave. www.usnews.com/opinion/arti...
usnews.com
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Update: My CNN interview is now TOMORROW around 6:45pm EDT.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Here's my latest for CNN. Tune in to hear me talk about this with Jake Tapper live tonight somewhere around 6:40-7pm EDT. www.cnn.com/2025/06/09/h...
cnn.com
Screen time is both a cause and symptom of kids’ bad behavior, according to new research | CNN
If your children are spending too much time on screens, it can cause emotional and behavioral problems and lead to more screen use, according to a new meta-analysis.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
My latest for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/h...
cnn.com
Parents of successful kids give support but don’t micromanage | CNN
Most parents of ultra-successful kids give them support and independence without micromanaging, according to a new book by writer Susan Dominus.
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Enjoyed speaking about my book in the Mother's Day episode of the No Silly Questions podcast: www.nosillyquestionspodcast.com/podcast/epis...
nosillyquestionspodcast.com
Podcasts | No Silly Questions
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
I'll be speaking about my book online through the West Islip library this Thursday at 6pm EDT. Register here: westisliplibrary.libnet.info/event/132411...
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Kara Alaimo, PhD @karaalaimo.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Enjoyed chatting about my book on the Scrolling 2 Death podcast! www.scrolling2death.com/post/social-...
scrolling2death.com
Social Media's Impact on Girls (with Kara Alaimo, PhD)
How is social media access affecting young girls (and why we should keep them far away).
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