College Cheating

In this new appearance on FOX35 I discuss the rise of college cheating, both in the wake of the higher ed scandals and the rise of websites for students to have term papers written for them.

Joe Biden and "Personal Space"

This media appearance engages the recent “scandal” about Joe Biden’s interactions with women, in which he has been accused of violating their personal spaces with touches or hugs. Others have come forward to note that Biden’s approach is to reduce his own power and reach out to those he feels are most in need of the connection, which often includes a form of therapeutic touch. However, for some the intent does not outweigh the reception or interpretation of the touches as potentially creepy or violating. We need to remember that personal space is a personal decision, but it is also culturally determined. It’s important to make our own feelings clear, it’s important to ask permission when we’re not sure how our touches might be received, and it’s important to remember the power dynamics at play.

Quitting Facebook will make you happier

In this clip Dr. Gournelos discusses a recent study about quitting Facebook, which echoes earlier findings regarding how social media use makes us unhappy. While it also showed that users were less informed of current events, it didn’t engage whether or not their knowledge was credible or accurate, but instead whether or not they were aware of events covered widely in the popular press. The lesson? Either stop using social media, or take extended breaks from it occasionally. You’ll be better off not just that month, but also have some much needed distance afterwards!

Seaworld and PR Crisis

This clip discusses the recent death of a female orca at Seaworld, and features Dr. Gournelos speaking about the importance of public relations and perception vs. reality.

Censorship and Social Media Crisis

In this clip, Dr. Gournelos discusses Kevin Hart stepping down from hosting the Academy Awards. It’s not just about bad use of social media, but also about censorship, comedy, and our refusal to speak about the possibility of people evolving or having a reasonable discussion about why we say what we say.

Black Friday is a Scam

This appearance, from November 27, 2018, discusses how Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great ways to find some deals, but they’re mainly a way to get you to spend when you wouldn’t. I recommend a few ways to make sure you’re getting a good deal, and get refunds if you buy when you shouldn’t.

Another Facebook Hacking Scandal

This appearance from 9/28/2018 discusses the most recent mass hacking of user data on Facebook.

Social Media and Reading Problems

This appearance from August 22, 2018 discusses rapid reduction in the amount and quality of reading, especially reading for pleasure and by teens/children. 

Social Media and Professional Etiquette

On this news appearance, from August 27, 2018, Dr. Gournelos discusses the controversy over an intern's use of profanity on Twitter after getting an internship at NASA, for which she was subsequently fired. 

Zuckerberg in the EU

This appearance discusses the privacy and security changes enacted by the EU on digital media platforms starting 5/25/2018, as well as Zuckerbuerg's appearance in front of the EU Parlaiment.