RCCD Names Adviye Tolunay as 64th Distinguished Faculty Lecturer

04/13/2026

Adviye Tolunay, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Moreno Valley College, will deliver the Riverside Community College District’s 64th Distinguished Faculty Lecture. Her lecture, titled “Anti-Social” Media: Memes, Echo Chambers, and Toxic Anonymity, will examine how algorithm-driven social media platforms influence mental health and well-being and explore strategies for reducing their negative impact.

The Distinguished Faculty Lecture, inaugurated in 1961, is one of the most important traditions for faculty, students and the community across the district. Each year, Riverside Community College District faculty select one of their colleagues to present this prestigious lecture on a scholarly topic.

Tolunay has dedicated nearly 25 years to higher education and has been a full-time faculty member at Moreno Valley College since 2006. She teaches a range of psychology courses, including Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology, and serves as assistant chair for the Humanities, Arts, and Social and Behavioral Sciences Department.

Her academic work focuses on social influence, persuasion, and the effects of group identity on moral reasoning. In addition to her teaching, she is widely recognized for her leadership and commitment to equity and inclusion. She played a key role in establishing Moreno Valley College’s Annual Diversity Summit and the One Book, One College program, and she was the first recipient of the college’s Diversity Award. She has also been recognized four times as an Outstanding Faculty Adviser by the Associated Students of Moreno Valley College.

As social media becomes more deeply embedded in daily life, Tolunay said it is important to understand how these platforms shape not only what people see, but how they think and feel. She added that greater awareness of algorithm-driven content can help individuals make more intentional choices that support mental health and well-being.

The lecturer will present at each of the district’s three colleges:

• Thursday, May 7, 2026, Norco College, Little Theater, 12:50–1:50 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Riverside City College, Hall of Fame, 12:50–1:50 p.m.
• Thursday, May 14, 2026, Moreno Valley College, Student Academic Services Building (SAS 121), 12:50–1:50 p.m., with a reception to follow

The Moreno Valley College lecture will also be available via livestream.

There is no charge to attend, and all district, college, and community members are invited.

For more information, visit: https://mvc.edu/events/faculty-lecture.php

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications