Plugged In Blog

Five Quintessentially American Movies for The Fourth of July
These films don’t necessarily show America’s history, but they do exhibit what we’ve achieved, what we value and what we just kind of like.

Movie Monday: ‘Inside Out 2’ Threepeats; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Makes Some Noise
Inside Out 2 earned an estimated $57.4 million this weekend. Add in overseas earnings and it’s the first film this year to gross $1 billion.

On the Radar: The ‘Heatwave Freezer Hack’, ‘Sadfishing’ and Drowsy Driving Teens
Does the “heatwave freezer hack” work? What is “sadfishing”? And how many teens are driving while drowsy?

The Bible Goes to Hollywood: Seven Movies and Shows Based on Biblical Stories
Here’s a look at 7 movies and television shows based on the Bible. Plenty of your favorites are not included, but all of these are notable—for one reason or another.

Episode 240: The Dark Side of the Influencer World. Plus, a Conversation with Director Andrew Erwin
Plugged In unpacks an article detailing a mother and daughter’s journey to combat a disturbing influencer trend.

Identifying Dark Patterns and Protecting Your Kids Against Them
What are some examples of dark patterns? And how can parents protect their vulnerable kids from these money-grabbing schemes?

Movie Monday: ‘Inside Out 2’ Now the Year’s Biggest Film
Inside Out 2 just claimed the biggest debut since 2023’s Barbie en route to a no-doubt weekend win. But what would it do for an encore?

On the Radar: ‘Blue Light Stare’, ‘Hot Rodents’ and Proven Ways to Curb Screen Time
What are ‘hot rodents’ and the ‘blue light stare’? And which screen time curbing tactics have actually proven effective?

Warning: Social Media May Be Hazardous to Your Child’s Health, Says the Surgeon General
Will putting a digital “warning label” on social media “scare” kids and families away from using it?

Episode 239: A Look at ‘Inside Out 2.’ Plus Screens and Our Brains
First, we talk Inside Out 2. Then, Focus on the Family’s Dr. Daniel Huerta talks about how entertainment and technology impact our brains.
About Us
Good media discernment is about guarding our eyes and hearts before we watch or listen. And it’s also about grappling with the entertainment we do see or hear. That’s why the Plugged In Blog is devoted to guarding, discussing and grappling. About Plugged In >>