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Rebecca Ruiz

Rebecca Ruiz

Rebecca Ruiz is a Senior Reporter at Mashable. She frequently covers the intersection of wellness and mental health and digital culture and technology. Her areas of expertise include suicide prevention, screen use and mental health, parenting, youth well-being, and meditation and mindfulness. Prior to Mashable, Rebecca was a staff writer, reporter, and editor at NBC News Digital, special reports project director at The American Prospect, and staff writer at Forbes. Rebecca has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and a Master's in Journalism from U.C. Berkeley. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, watching movie trailers, traveling to places where she can't get cell service, and hiking with her border collie.

By Rebecca Ruiz

Online experts you can trust for Hurricane Milton info
These hurricane pros are sharing accurate information about the terrifying storm.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Online experts you can trust for Hurricane Milton info
"Robot lawyer" a scam, FTC says in major AI crackdown
Consumers lost tens of millions of dollars to these deceptive schemes.
By Rebecca Ruiz
"Robot lawyer" a scam, FTC says in major AI crackdown
Google's 'school time' setting for kids coming to Android devices
The setting lets parents control when their child's device has limited functionality.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Google's 'school time' setting for kids coming to Android devices
Google announces new tactics to curb explicit deepfakes
Changes to Google Search aim to limit results for nonconsensual imagery.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Google announces new tactics to curb explicit deepfakes
Scarlett Johansson was 'shocked' by OpenAI 'Sky' voice
The 'Her' actress says OpenAI asked her to voice 'Sky' — and she said no.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Scarlett Johansson was 'shocked' by OpenAI 'Sky' voice
'Everything Now' depicts eating disorder recovery like you've never seen it
The Netflix teen comedy-drama is both raw and responsible.
By Rebecca Ruiz
'Everything Now' depicts eating disorder recovery like you've never seen it
'A Haunted Girl' comic uses horror to take on mental illness
Marvel comics author draws on real-life inspiration for this one-of-a-kind story.
By Rebecca Ruiz
'A Haunted Girl' comic uses horror to take on mental illness
Why Chris Parnell's latest character is a 'weird little vape'
The "Rick and Morty" actor plays a vape with a very special message.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why Chris Parnell's latest character is a 'weird little vape'
New S.O.S. initiative online rating system targets teen safety
Experts are working to create a rating system for social media, search engines, and gaming platforms.
By Rebecca Ruiz
New S.O.S. initiative online rating system targets teen safety
New survey shows emotional toll of AI anxiety, employee monitoring
The technologies are associated with stress, irritability, and burnout for some workers.
By Rebecca Ruiz
New survey shows emotional toll of AI anxiety, employee monitoring
U.S. government sues SpaceX for discrimination
The Department of Justice alleges Elon Musk's space exploration company wrongly rejected refugees and asylees.
By Rebecca Ruiz
U.S. government sues SpaceX for discrimination
YouTube will remove videos with harmful cancer claims
Content that pushes harmful or ineffective treatments will be removed.
By Rebecca Ruiz
YouTube will remove videos with harmful cancer claims
Report slams generative AI tools for helping users create harmful eating disorder content
Popular AI tools and chatbots can give users dangerous tips and suggestions.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Report slams generative AI tools for helping users create harmful eating disorder content
Why some Americans cheered when Megan Rapinoe and the U.S. lost at the World Cup
"It felt like all these people were waiting for this moment..."
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why some Americans cheered when Megan Rapinoe and the U.S. lost at the World Cup
Decolonization is more than a meme or hashtag
The social justice catchphrase, which is popular on TikTok and Instagram, has a complex meaning.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Decolonization is more than a meme or hashtag
Why mindfulness is the most important skill of 2022
2022 will be full of uncertainty. Mindfulness can help you cope.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why mindfulness is the most important skill of 2022
What you can learn about people from studying their holiday cards
Minted analyzed 300,000 customer cards and got a glimpse of the national mood.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What you can learn about people from studying their holiday cards
These activists refuse to surrender to the Supreme Court on abortion rights. Here's their plan.
The Supreme Court is poised to gut Roe v. Wade. These abortion rights activists aren't giving up.
By Rebecca Ruiz
These activists refuse to surrender to the Supreme Court on abortion rights. Here's their plan.
Omicron messing with your mental health? Don't let the anxiety get to you.
Uncertainty can make human beings miserable. Try these coping strategies instead.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Omicron messing with your mental health? Don't let the anxiety get to you.
What we can all learn from 'trauma dumping' online
The act of unloading trauma online is a symptom of a much bigger problem.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What we can all learn from 'trauma dumping' online
However you feel right now is totally OK
Holiday stress, especially during COVID-19, can lead to difficult feelings. Don't shame yourself for them.
By Rebecca Ruiz
However you feel right now is totally OK
We can't ignore the role mental health plays in conspiracy theory beliefs
Our solutions for tackling misinformation must incorporate well-being and mental health.
By Rebecca Ruiz
We can't ignore the role mental health plays in conspiracy theory beliefs
7 skills to help reframe negative thoughts when social media makes you feel lousy
Yes, the algorithms need to change. In the meantime, these techniques can help stop a downward spiral.
By Rebecca Ruiz
7 skills to help reframe negative thoughts when social media makes you feel lousy
Exhausted parents are ready to leave the worst of the pandemic behind them
They've spent the pandemic primal screaming. With vaccines for kids, it's time to safely move forward.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Exhausted parents are ready to leave the worst of the pandemic behind them
How to convince young people to get vaccinated
Here's what convinced an 18-year-old to get vaccinated after a favorite Instagram account made her worried to get the jab.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to convince young people to get vaccinated
Choose your memes carefully. They might change your mood.
Researchers are trying to understand the power memes have over people.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Choose your memes carefully. They might change your mood.
Perfumed hand sanitizer is the worst, so let's stop using it
Scented hand sanitizer really aggravates some people. Here's why.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Perfumed hand sanitizer is the worst, so let's stop using it
What happens when people talk to their therapists about conspiracy theories? It's tricky.
Therapists have to summon the emotional generosity that most people have exhausted.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What happens when people talk to their therapists about conspiracy theories? It's tricky.
'Ted Lasso' has a question: What kind of man are you?
'Ted Lasso' has thoughts on what it takes to be a good man.
By Rebecca Ruiz
'Ted Lasso' has a question: What kind of man are you?
COVID-19 made student mental health a priority. Here's what that should look like in school.
Is your kid getting the mental health support they need at school?
By Rebecca Ruiz
COVID-19 made student mental health a priority. Here's what that should look like in school.
Facebook has made it easier than ever to profit off teen girls' insecurity
Internal Facebook documents shed light on how Instagram does real damage to some young girls.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Facebook has made it easier than ever to profit off teen girls' insecurity
Companies hope new benefits will solve your mental health issues. Don't fall for it.
Companies know they have a wellness problem. Most won't do what it takes to fix it.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Companies hope new benefits will solve your mental health issues. Don't fall for it.
Here's a radical way you can cope during these uncertain times
Why the simple practice can make a big difference.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Here's a radical way you can cope during these uncertain times
How to help Afghan refugees trying to escape Taliban rule
There are simple ways to help right now.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to help Afghan refugees trying to escape Taliban rule
4 simple ways to manage your Delta variant anger
Don't bury your anger. But don't let it bury you, either.
By Rebecca Ruiz
4 simple ways to manage your Delta variant anger
Delta variant is stoking our anger at the unvaccinated. Don’t tell us to calm down.
Take our rage seriously.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Delta variant is stoking our anger at the unvaccinated. Don’t tell us to calm down.
Simone Biles made the Olympics what it always needed to be
The GOAT taught us a lesson about mental health that's worth carrying forward into future Olympic games.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Simone Biles made the Olympics what it always needed to be
Britney Spears was forced into mental health treatment. It's surprisingly common.
People can be coerced into treatment even if they're not in a conservatorship.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Britney Spears was forced into mental health treatment. It's surprisingly common.
After COVID-19, we're going to need more than therapy
Why we should invest in alternatives.
By Rebecca Ruiz
After COVID-19, we're going to need more than therapy
Here's how to stop the climate change anxiety spiral and make a difference
Three experts share strategies for moving forward despite your fear.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Here's how to stop the climate change anxiety spiral and make a difference
2021 is officially the summer we learned to say no
Sure, hot vax summer sounds fun. But saying no might be the most powerful thing you do this summer.
By Rebecca Ruiz
2021 is officially the summer we learned to say no
If you want to protect trans youth, don't pass laws that pretend to keep them safe
What to do instead if you genuinely care about their mental health and well-being.
By Rebecca Ruiz
If you want to protect trans youth, don't pass laws that pretend to keep them safe
Conspiracy theories are a mental health crisis
No one's talking about the complex relationship between disinformation and mental health. That changes now.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Conspiracy theories are a mental health crisis
When you become the target of racist disinformation
Information was weaponized during the COVID-19 pandemic. It had profound mental health consequences.
By Rebecca Ruiz
When you become the target of racist disinformation
3 types of inequality that worsen mental health
When Dr. Amy Barnhorst treats patients for mental illness in county jails, emergency rooms, and psychiatric hospitals, she sees more than the person standing before her.
By Rebecca Ruiz
3 types of inequality that worsen mental health
Prince Harry's liberation from trauma can be ours too
Sometimes the world seems to forget that Prince Harry has lived through trauma that few people could even begin to imagine.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Prince Harry's liberation from trauma can be ours too
New support groups for farmworkers aim to heal widespread trauma
A migrant farmworker living in the U.S. might endure multiple types of trauma and stress throughout their life.
By Rebecca Ruiz
New support groups for farmworkers aim to heal widespread trauma
Weight loss apps don't help users with one really important thing
There is a secret to weight loss that should be more widely known and it has nothing to do with supplements, specialized diets, or intermittent fasting.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Weight loss apps don't help users with one really important thing
Police killings are a mental health crisis for Black people. They deserve real solutions.
When a police officer shot Daunte Wright to death in a Minneapolis suburb last week, the tragedy plunged many Black Americans into a familiar state of grief and rage.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Police killings are a mental health crisis for Black people. They deserve real solutions.
COVID post-traumatic stress is real. It can also come with silver linings.
For some who've endured life-changing trauma, the experience can yield something surprising: positive personal growth.
By Rebecca Ruiz
COVID post-traumatic stress is real. It can also come with silver linings.
So many people don't have internet — and it's not their fault
When Georgianne Wright and her 13-year-old grandson, Keiontay, wanted to use the internet before the pandemic, she'd try the prepaid wireless plan she purchased from a national service provider.
By Rebecca Ruiz
So many people don't have internet — and it's not their fault
Girl Scouts launches major effort to become anti-racist
From its founding in 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA has preached inclusion, welcoming members of all backgrounds into its ranks.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Girl Scouts launches major effort to become anti-racist
No, it's not OK to shame people who gained weight during the pandemic
It was bound to happen.
By Rebecca Ruiz
No, it's not OK to shame people who gained weight during the pandemic
The pandemic pushed us deeper into the internet rabbit hole, and most of us can't keep track
When you ask people about their internet habits during a pandemic, you never know what you'll discover.
By Rebecca Ruiz
The pandemic pushed us deeper into the internet rabbit hole, and most of us can't keep track
The Lincoln Project imploded, and burned liberals who backed its anti-Trump viral videos
It's a shame.
By Rebecca Ruiz
The Lincoln Project imploded, and burned liberals who backed its anti-Trump viral videos
The 13-minute video that won't let you forget what happened on January 6
The impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump opened as one might expect in 2021.
By Rebecca Ruiz
The 13-minute video that won't let you forget what happened on January 6
Despite good news, you're not feeling better. There's a reason why.
In the wake of President Joe Biden's inauguration, some on social media expressed profound relief.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Despite good news, you're not feeling better. There's a reason why.
Biden swore to tell us the truth. We need to be able to believe it.
In his inaugural address, President Joe Biden promised to be honest with the American people.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Biden swore to tell us the truth. We need to be able to believe it.
Climate scientists harness the power of moms to save the planet
Moms take pride in their problem-solving skills.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Climate scientists harness the power of moms to save the planet
How to stop wasting time scrolling and start finding joy in play
The epiphany came mid-pillow fight.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to stop wasting time scrolling and start finding joy in play
The attempted coup revealed what really poisons America
A group of predominantly white men incited by President Trump make a mockery of America and its principles and institutions.
By Rebecca Ruiz
The attempted coup revealed what really poisons America
How to plan for 2021 after saying good riddance to 2020
Finally, it's time to end this miserable year.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to plan for 2021 after saying good riddance to 2020
What Karamo Brown does when he reaches his breaking point
"I forgive myself for the things that maybe I thought that I should have been doing."
By Rebecca Ruiz
What Karamo Brown does when he reaches his breaking point
Trump lost. A divided America must move forward and reject Trumpism.
America is dazed and exhausted.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Trump lost. A divided America must move forward and reject Trumpism.
Voting for Biden or Trump? Either way, you're not on the right side of history.
Everything is at stake.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Voting for Biden or Trump? Either way, you're not on the right side of history.
Trump is desperate to seem manly. It's hurting us all.
President Donald Trump is a sick man, literally.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Trump is desperate to seem manly. It's hurting us all.
Some people are more likely to believe conspiracy theories. Here's how to know if you're one of them.
Welcome to the age of the?conspiracy theory.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Some people are more likely to believe conspiracy theories. Here's how to know if you're one of them.
Inside the program teaching influencers to talk about mental health
Why social media stars are taking this mental health education course.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Inside the program teaching influencers to talk about mental health
4 ways that young people are thriving despite the trauma of 2020
"I don’t think I was the same person I was at the beginning of quarantine."
By Rebecca Ruiz
4 ways that young people are thriving despite the trauma of 2020
Why everyone should understand 'racial trauma' right now
The concept of racial trauma, or race-based stress, is decades old but has emerged as a mainstream idea in the months since?George Floyd's death.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why everyone should understand 'racial trauma' right now
13 great apps for learning about mindfulness
Mindfulness can be good for you.
By Rebecca Ruiz
13 great apps for learning about mindfulness
Suicide prevention has a systemic racism problem. Here's how to fix it.
"When you get ill, the cure should be your people. We are the medicine."
By Rebecca Ruiz
Suicide prevention has a systemic racism problem. Here's how to fix it.
How to cure your pandemic blues with moments of pure joy
I became a treadmill dancer during the pandemic and learned a lot about finding happiness.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to cure your pandemic blues with moments of pure joy
Pandemic pods for kids will make school inequality worse. It doesn't have to be this way.
Parents can find solutions for their families while also focusing on equity for all children.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Pandemic pods for kids will make school inequality worse. It doesn't have to be this way.
Don’t shame people who don’t wear masks. It won't work.
Anger and shame on those who resist is a short-lived victory.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Don’t shame people who don’t wear masks. It won't work.
Anti-racist training is suddenly in demand. Here's how to make sure it leads to real change.
"The thing I've noticed is that white privilege is still showing up in this moment."
By Rebecca Ruiz
Anti-racist training is suddenly in demand. Here's how to make sure it leads to real change.
13 mental health resources for black people trying to cope right now
"Radical self-care is required to live and survive in this world as a Black person."
By Rebecca Ruiz
13 mental health resources for black people trying to cope right now
How to raise boys so they're comfortable with their emotions
"There's nothing wrong with a man showing he needs help"
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to raise boys so they're comfortable with their emotions
For new parents, there's reason to relax about the pandemic's effect on a baby's development
No parent imagined surviving a pandemic as part of their year of first smiles, teeth, steps, and words.
By Rebecca Ruiz
For new parents, there's reason to relax about the pandemic's effect on a baby's development
Healthcare workers are saving lives. Here's how you can send them your gratitude.
A digital thank you works!
By Rebecca Ruiz
Healthcare workers are saving lives. Here's how you can send them your gratitude.
What's happening in the world is out of your control. These 7 strategies will help you feel better.
The co-writers of "Dear Evan Hansen," Lady Gaga's mom, and the co-founder of Crisis Text Line share their tips.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What's happening in the world is out of your control. These 7 strategies will help you feel better.
Give poor people a guaranteed income and let them spend it however they please
"We were able to see folks dream again"
By Rebecca Ruiz
Give poor people a guaranteed income and let them spend it however they please
Parents are exhausted trying to work and care for kids during the pandemic. Here's what must change.
The pandemic is forcing parents to the brink of burnout.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Parents are exhausted trying to work and care for kids during the pandemic. Here's what must change.
Why suicide risk may increase as we cope with COVID-19
"Despite challenges, there are opportunities to improve suicide prevention efforts in this unique time."
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why suicide risk may increase as we cope with COVID-19
'Did I already have coronavirus?': People wonder if they previously had COVID-19, but the answer isn't easy
In the age of the coronavirus, when nothing is certain and we must plot our every move with the utmost caution.
By Rebecca Ruiz
'Did I already have coronavirus?': People wonder if they previously had COVID-19, but the answer isn't easy
We're ignoring an important factor when we talk about fighting coronavirus
COVID-19 will worsen inequality as it spreads.
By Rebecca Ruiz
We're ignoring an important factor when we talk about fighting coronavirus
Coronavirus reveals everything that's wrong with our mental health care system
Too many people are an emergency away from a mental health crisis.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Coronavirus reveals everything that's wrong with our mental health care system
Oprah brings the 'American Dirt' controversy to Apple TV+
Oprah leaned way into the controversy she helped start.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Oprah brings the 'American Dirt' controversy to Apple TV+
Netflix finally removed the graphic suicide scene from '13 Reasons Why.' It was the right thing to do.
The decision to delete the method and visual aftermath was the right call.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Netflix finally removed the graphic suicide scene from '13 Reasons Why.' It was the right thing to do.
Science says empathy is a skill. Here are 5 ways to get better at it
Humanity needs this.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Science says empathy is a skill. Here are 5 ways to get better at it
5 tips for starting a conversation about your mental health
Taking the first step is crucial, but knowing how to start it off is equally important.
By Rebecca Ruiz
5 tips for starting a conversation about your mental health
Another study points to link between '13 Reasons Why' and increased youth suicides
A new study found an association between increased youth suicides and the first season of the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why.'
By Rebecca Ruiz
Another study points to link between '13 Reasons Why' and increased youth suicides
How to talk to kids about climate change without scaring them
There are plenty of ways to talk about what's happening to the Earth in an age-appropriate way that doesn't needlessly frighten a child.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to talk to kids about climate change without scaring them
Experts warned '13 Reasons Why' could lead to suicides. A new study suggests they were right.
There was a spike in internet searches about suicide and suicide methods.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Experts warned '13 Reasons Why' could lead to suicides. A new study suggests they were right.
Malala Yousafzai's new YouTube series spotlights inspiring girls
"Roll Call" is bound to leave viewers feeling empowered and inspired.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Malala Yousafzai's new YouTube series spotlights inspiring girls
Mass shootings leave us feeling defeated, but it's possible to stop feeling numb
The 20th anniversary of the Columbine shooting prompted reflection about the epidemic of gun violence in America — and what can be done to stop it.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Mass shootings leave us feeling defeated, but it's possible to stop feeling numb
'Time' 100 list offensively honors both Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh
Sigh.
By Rebecca Ruiz
'Time' 100 list offensively honors both Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh
This woman lived in her car to volunteer at 200 food banks and prove a point about hunger
A noble challenge.
By Rebecca Ruiz
This woman lived in her car to volunteer at 200 food banks and prove a point about hunger
Spending 20-minutes in nature could make you less stressed out
Your 'nature pill'.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Spending 20-minutes in nature could make you less stressed out
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