Last updated on: 3/3/2010 | Author: ProCon.org

Susan Greenfield, DPhil Biography

Title:
Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford
Position:
Con to the question "Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?"
Reasoning:

“Social networking sites might tap into the basic brain systems for delivering pleasurable experience. However, these experiences are devoid of cohesive narrative and long-term significance. As a consequence, the mid-21st century mind might almost be infantilised, characterised by short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity.”

Speech to the UK House of Lords, Feb. 12, 2009
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
Experts
Individuals with PhDs, MDs, JDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to social media. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to social media.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Chancellor, Heriot-Watt University, 2006-present
  • Member, House of Lords (appointed by Tony Blair), 2001-present
  • Professor, Pharmacology, Oxford University, 1996-present
  • Director, Royal Institution of Great Britain, 1998 – Jan. 8, 2010
  • Listed as one of the 25 most influential women in the UK, She magazine, 2009
  • Voted one of the 100 most influential women in Britain, Daily Mail, 2003
  • Recipient, Golden Plate Award, Academy of Achievement, May 2003
  • Recipient, Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur, 2003
  • Appointed, CBE (Commander of the British Empire), 2000
  • Recipient, Michael Faraday medal, Royal Society, 1998
  • Professor, Medicine, Gresham College, 1995-1998
  • Teacher, Pharmacology, Oxford University, 1985-1996
Education:
  • DPhil, Pharmacology, Oxford
  • BA, St. Hilda’s College at Oxford
Other:
  • Titles include “Baroness” and “Lady”
  • Has been awarded 30 honorary degrees from British and foreign universities
  • In 1994, was the first woman to give the Royal Institution Christmas lectures
Quoted in:
Pro & Con Quotes: Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?