Neil Alperstein

Neil Alperstein is a Professor with a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on parasocial relationships with media figures, digital media’s impact on social connections, and health communication through online platforms. He has co-authored the book Best Practices in Online Program Development and authored Advertising in Everyday Life and Celebrity and Mediated Social Connections.

• Education: Ph.D. in American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park.

His work spans social media’s role in vaccination promotion, data privacy in digital health, and parasocial dynamics in advertising. Recent publications explore social norms in vaccine campaigns, web ecology of health websites, and ethical implications of digital surveillance. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) and a Fellow of the organization.

• Scientific Awards: Accredited member of PRSSA; Elected to PRSSA College of Fellows.
• Teaching Interests: Emerging media’s influence on daily life, online education technologies.