Podcast with Dr. Bjorn Mercer
Program Director, Communication, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion and World Languages Programs, American Public University

and Dr. Jonathan Surovell
Faculty Member, School of Arts and Humanities

With social media usage, we inevitably compare our own lives with the lives shown in other people’s posts. As a result, we may experience negative feelings of depression and envy or an obsession with checking social media accounts.

In this podcast, Dr. Bjorn Mercer and Dr. Jonathan Surovell explore the effects that social media has on our sense of wellbeing and ethics. They also discuss the long-term impacts of social media use, the effect that it has had in the political environment, and the need to develop critical thinking and more personalized communication skills.

This podcast is part of a monthly series known as “The Everyday Scholar: Exploring the Arts and Humanities.” Be sure to check back mid-month for new podcasts!

About the Speakers

Dr. Bjorn Mercer is a Program Director at American Public University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Missouri State University, a master’s and doctorate in music from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He writes about leadership, management and why the humanities and liberal arts are critical to career success. Dr. Mercer also writes children’s music.

Dr. Jonathan Surovell is a part-time instructor for the School of Arts and Humanities at American Public University and a philosophy instructor at Texas State University. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from McGill University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh.