Rebecca Ruiz is a Senior Reporter at Mashable. She frequently covers mental health, 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
How to report crypto transactions on your taxes
It could be a costly mistake if you don't report digital assets like crypto.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Stop scrolling so much. Try these rituals instead.
Want meaningful practices that help lower your screen time? Try creating some 'emodiversity.'
By Rebecca Ruiz
Talking to someone online for emotional support may be riskier than you realize
These platforms promise to connect users to a compassionate listener, but the reality is far more complex.
By Rebecca Ruiz
California paid millions to access a mental health app. It wasn't safe for users.
The failure to disclose what happened with 7 Cups raises big questions about emotional support apps.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Emotional support platform 7 Cups beset by trolls
People go to 7 Cups to get emotional support, but some find themselves to be targets instead.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Teens who talk about their mental health on this app may be taking a big risk
Vulnerable teens may be targeted by predators.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Why online child exploitation is so hard to fight
Predators can weaponize social media platforms against vulnerable youth.
By Rebecca Ruiz
When is the last day to file taxes?
The date to file your return will be here before you know it.
By Rebecca Ruiz
IRS Direct File program now open to more taxpayers
The new program is accepting online returns from taxpayers in 12 states.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to talk to a human at the IRS
What to know if you need to reach someone about your taxes.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Watch out for these common tax scams
Scammers want your data and your money, and they know how to get it.
By Rebecca Ruiz
How to track your tax refund online
This simple IRS tool will give you up-to-date information.
By Rebecca Ruiz
TikTok and Instagram 'diet' tips to avoid
Be wary of influencers and creators who give this advice.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What parents need to tell their kids about explicit deepfakes
Don't delay this critical conversation.
By Rebecca Ruiz
6 things teens say they really need for their mental health
You may be surprised by what teens want.
By Rebecca Ruiz
What to do if someone makes a deepfake of you
These steps can help limit the fallout of becoming a victim of deepfake abuse.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Your kid saw something totally inappropriate online. Here's what to do next.
Try to stay open and nonjudgmental about what your child encountered.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Tracking your stress may be more stressful than you imagined
What you should know before you start tracking your stress.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Too much TV screen time for kids: 5 things to know about the risks
Research suggests that too much TV can lead to difficulty processing sensory information.
By Rebecca Ruiz
7 tips for using your phone less
Are you a parent who wants to put down your phone more often? Try these tips.
By Rebecca Ruiz
TikTok 'fear food' challenges: Can they help with eating disorder recovery?
Is it safe to create or watch a "fear food" challenge? It depends.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Major report declines to recommend banning social media for youth
Amid rising concern about youth mental health, experts say more research is needed.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Despite mounting mental health concerns, teens remain heavy social media users
Some teens describe "almost constant" social media use.
By Rebecca Ruiz
Do you know who's posting pictures of your kid online?
With the rapid advancement of AI, parents should think twice about giving away the rights to their children's images.
By Rebecca Ruiz
