pluggedin

Plugged in is an English term that describes someone who is well informed about current events, trends, or social circles and who stays actively involved. Metaphorically, being plugged in conveys access to information channels and networks, enabling timely participation in discussions. In a technical sense, the phrase can be literal, describing a device connected to a power source or a network, and it relates to the noun plug-in, a software component that extends a program’s functionality when added to a host application.

In journalism and popular culture, the terms plugged in and plugged-in appear in contexts that emphasize immediacy and relevance. Phrases such as stay plugged in or the crowd is plugged in signal awareness and engagement with a topic. The expression spans professional and casual use, including descriptions of people who keep up with industry developments or communities and of devices or services that are connected.

Plugged In is also the name of a media-review publication produced by Focus on the Family. Launched in the early 2000s, Plugged In provides reviews and content descriptors for movies, television, video games, music, and books, including age ratings and parental advisories. The site presents content perspectives aligned with the organization’s values and aims to help families make informed choices. Critics have noted potential bias, while supporters view it as a useful resource for parental guidance and media literacy.

Related terms include plug-in, a software add-on that extends a program’s capabilities, and the broader concept of being plugged in as an indicator of connectivity in technology and culture.