Latest news with #ErinPash
Phone Arena
11-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Apple and Google add features to group chats, but Verizon says beware the drama
Group chats are basically part of everyday life now and tech companies know it. I mean, that is probably why Apple and Google are both stepping things up to make them even better. With iOS 26, Apple is bringing upgrades like typing indicators, Apple Cash requests and transfers, polls and more to group messages. On the Android side, Google just started rolling out Android 16 and Google Messages is finally getting some long-requested RCS group chat features – like the ability to name your group chats and even give them custom icons so they stand out. Clearly, group chats matter. And the numbers prove it: the average social media user is part of 83 group chats. Teens? Even more – for them, it is where most of the real conversations happen. That is exactly why Verizon is sounding the alarm, especially for parents. According to the carrier, where there are teens, there's drama. Group chats can easily go from fun to messy – from oversharing to bullying – and most of the time, it happens without adults noticing. So Verizon teamed up with mental health experts to offer a few tips on how to help kids (and really, anyone) navigate these spaces more safely. – Erin Pash, M.A., founder of Ellie Mental Health, June 2025 One thing to remind your kid is that messages don't really disappear. Even if a group chat app says they expire or can be deleted, screenshots are a thing – and once something is out there, it's out there. Whether it's a photo, a password, or a random comment, you can't always take it also good to help them recognize when things are starting to go sideways. Jokes can cross the line, people can gang up or private info gets dropped. It helps to talk to your kid about recognizing those moments. Sharing your own online slip-ups can help start that conversation and even open the door to role-playing matters most is making sure your kid knows they can come to you when something feels off. Uncomfortable moments are bound to happen, but having a safe person to talk to makes a big there are red flags to look out for: flinching when a notification comes in, hiding their screen when someone walks by, suddenly distancing themselves from friends, late-night messaging, or mood swings tied to their phone. Those signs could mean a group chat is becoming toxic. And last but not least, Verizon also says it's better to focus on building skills instead of just monitoring screens. That means teaching kids how to handle online drama, spot fake info or scams, and navigate confusing stuff – especially now that AI is in the mix. Helping them build digital confidence goes a lot further than just watching over their shoulder. And even if this all feels like common sense to you, think about who in your life might not know it – whether it's another parent, a friend or even an older relative. Teens might be the most active in group chats, but let's be real – older folks can get caught up in online messes, too. Everyone's still figuring out how to stay safe and smart in these digital spaces. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Buy at Total Wireless
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Ellie Mental Health founder Erin Pash starts new tech and retail incubator
The founder of a successful mental health company is now turning her attention to incubating innovative businesses that blend technology, retail and social well-being. Erin Pash, founder and former CEO of Ellie Mental Health, has launched her latest venture, calling it Pash Co. Both an acronym for People Advancing Social Health and a self-titled company, Pash Co. will serve as an incubator for technology, social media and retail businesses that aim to enhance social health and aid in forming human connection. Minneapolis-based Pash Co., which officially launched last week, already has announced three ventures that will be released later this year: two social apps and a retail business. Talk To My Face is a social media app that prioritizes and facilitates in-person connection. Caveman to Casanova is an app designed to guide and support men in building stronger relationships. Pot Mama's is a women-focused retail concept offering cannabis products while destigmatizing the use of the substance among women. The company also is developing other ventures and partnerships in the social health startup realm. 'We're starting a movement to prioritize social health as a critical component of overall wellness," Pash wrote in a statement. "The goal is to create technology that brings us together in meaningful ways, not keep us isolated behind screens. At Pash Co., we're pushing the creative limits of what's possible when we design technology with human connection at its core." Pash served as CEO of Ellie Mental Health since founding the company in 2015. In January, she passed the title to Michael DiMarco, but continues to serve on Ellie's board as chair and as an executive consultant. Pash was a Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree last year and a Women in Business honoree in 2020.
