Research and analyze a public figure's social media conflict and create a presentation that tells their story and explains social media's impact on the conflict.
Instructions:
For this assessment, tell a visual and written story that explains how social media can impact conflict with public figures. To do this, create a 10–12 slide PowerPoint presentation in which you use text and visuals to support your narrative.
Note that one of the qualities of a good PowerPoint presentation is not having too much text on each slide. Use the slide notes feature to flesh out your points. You might think of this as a script for what you would say if you were presenting verbally.
Research and Selection
- Select a Public Figure:
o Choose a public figure who has been involved in a social media conflict. This can be a celebrity, politician, athlete, or any other prominent individual.
o Ensure there is enough information available to analyze the conflict in detail.
- Gather Information:
o Collect at least three credible sources that provide information about the conflict. These can include news articles, social media posts, interviews, and academic articles.
o Summarize the key points from each source, highlighting the main aspects of the conflict and the public figure’s involvement.
Analysis
- Conflict Description:
- Provide a detailed description of the conflict. Include information on:
The background and context of the conflict.
The main parties involved.
How the conflict started and escalated.
The role of social media in escalation and/or de-escalation of the conflict.
- Communication Behaviors:
o Analyze the communication behaviors of the public figure and other parties involved. Discuss how these behaviors contributed to the conflict.
o Identify any specific posts, comments, or interactions that were pivotal in the conflict’s development.
Full Answer Section
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- Text: Chrissy Teigen: Model, Television Personality, Entrepreneur, and Prominent Social Media User. Known for her candid and often humorous online presence.
- Right: Image of Courtney Stodden (e.g., a more recent photo).
- Text: Courtney Stodden: Media Personality, Singer, and Advocate. Gained public attention at a young age for their marriage to a much older actor.
Slide Notes: "Let's first familiarize ourselves with the key individuals in this conflict. Chrissy Teigen has cultivated a large following on platforms like Twitter (now X) by sharing her thoughts, jokes, and personal life. Courtney Stodden came into the public eye under controversial circumstances as a teenager, which made them a frequent subject of media attention and online commentary."
Slide 3: Background of the Initial Conflict (Early 2010s)
- Headline: The Onset: Public Scrutiny and Online Commentary
- Bullet Points:
- Courtney Stodden's marriage at age 16 to actor Doug Hutchison sparked significant media attention and public debate.
- This period saw a barrage of online comments and criticism directed at Stodden, often focusing on their age and appearance.
- Chrissy Teigen was among the public figures who made critical remarks about Stodden on social media (primarily Twitter).
Slide Notes: "The initial context of this conflict dates back to the early 2010s when Courtney Stodden's unconventional marriage became a frequent topic of discussion in the media and online. This intense public scrutiny unfortunately led to a wave of negative comments directed at Stodden. It's important to note that during this time, social media was evolving, and the norms around online interactions were still being established. Chrissy Teigen, like many others, participated in this online commentary."
Slide 4: Examples of Teigen's Social Media Activity (2011-2013)
- Visual: Screenshots of representative tweets or social media comments attributed to Chrissy Teigen about Courtney Stodden (redacted if necessary to focus on the nature of the comments). Examples might include critical remarks about Stodden's appearance or relationship.
- Text: Illustrative Tweets (Paraphrased/Redacted): "Why does Courtney Stodden look 50?" "Doug Hutchison is so creepy." (Note: Use actual paraphrased examples found in your research).
Slide Notes: "Here are some examples, based on available reports, of the kind of social media activity Chrissy Teigen engaged in during that period. These comments, while often brief, contributed to the overall negative online environment surrounding Courtney Stodden. It's crucial to understand the tone and nature of these interactions to grasp the impact they had."
Slide 5: Escalation and the Pile-On Effect
- Headline: Social Media Amplification: The Power of the Digital Mob
- Bullet Points:
- Teigen's public comments, due to her own following, gained significant visibility.
- Her remarks often spurred further negative comments and "pile-on" behavior from other social media users towards Stodden.
- Social media platforms facilitated the rapid spread and amplification of critical opinions.
- The anonymity and distance afforded by online interactions may have emboldened some users to make harsher comments than they would in person.
Slide Notes: "Social media platforms have a unique capacity to amplify individual voices, and in this case, Chrissy Teigen's comments, due to her established platform, reached a wide audience. This often triggered a 'pile-on' effect, where numerous other users joined in with their own criticisms, creating an overwhelming and hostile online environment for Courtney Stodden. The characteristics of social media, such as relative anonymity and the lack of face-to-face interaction, can unfortunately contribute to less empathetic and more aggressive communication."
Slide 6: Courtney Stodden's Experience and Impact
- Visual: A more recent image of Courtney Stodden, perhaps with a quote about their experience with online bullying or the impact of the early criticism.
- Text: The Receiving End: Impact on Courtney Stodden
- Bullet Points:
- Stodden has publicly spoken about the significant emotional and psychological toll of the intense online scrutiny and negative comments they received as a teenager.
- The constant criticism impacted their self-esteem and mental well-being.
- The permanence of online content meant that these negative remarks continued to resurface over time.
Slide Notes: "It's vital to consider the impact of this online conflict from Courtney Stodden's perspective. They have openly discussed the profound emotional and psychological distress caused by the relentless online criticism they faced at a vulnerable age. One of the enduring aspects of social media is its permanence; negative comments can persist online, constantly reminding individuals of past negativity."
Slide 7: The Shift and Teigen's Public Apology (2021)
- Headline: Acknowledgment and Reflection: Teigen's Public Apology
- Bullet Points:
- Years later, in 2021, Chrissy Teigen publicly apologized to Courtney Stodden for her past online behavior.
- Teigen acknowledged that her comments were unkind and contributed to a difficult period in Stodden's life.
- The apology was issued via social media (Twitter) and in subsequent interviews.
Slide Notes: "Fast forward to 2021, a significant development occurred: Chrissy Teigen issued a public apology to Courtney Stodden for her past social media behavior. This acknowledgment marked a shift in the narrative and highlighted a growing awareness of the long-term impact of online interactions."
Slide 8: Social Media's Role in the Apology and Aftermath
- Headline: Social Media as a Platform for Reconciliation (and Continued Discussion)
- Bullet Points:
- Teigen utilized the same platform (Twitter) where the initial conflict played out to issue her apology.
- Stodden publicly acknowledged the apology, leading to further discussion and media coverage about online bullying and accountability.
- The public reaction to Teigen's apology was mixed, with some praising her accountability and others remaining critical.
- Social media continued to be a space for ongoing dialogue and reflection on the incident.
Slide Notes: "Interestingly, social media served as the platform for both the initial conflict and the subsequent attempt at reconciliation. While Teigen's apology was seen by many, it also sparked further debate and discussion online about the complexities of accountability and forgiveness in the digital age. The public's reaction demonstrated the lasting impact of online actions and the challenges of navigating apologies in such a visible forum."
Slide 9: Analysis of Communication Behaviors
- Headline: Examining the Digital Dialogue: Communication Behaviors
- Bullet Points (Chrissy Teigen):
- Public Shaming: Teigen's early tweets contributed to the public shaming and ridicule of Courtney Stodden.
- Lack of Empathy: The tone of the comments suggests a lack of consideration for Stodden's young age and the pressures they were facing.
- Following the Crowd: Teigen's participation mirrored a broader trend of online criticism, potentially fueled by the "mob mentality" of social media.
- Later Accountability: Her eventual apology demonstrated a capacity for reflection and taking responsibility for past actions.
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Sample Answer
Here's a 10-slide outline for the PowerPoint presentation, incorporating text for the slides and notes for more detailed explanations:
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Title: The Double-Edged Sword: Chrissy Teigen, Courtney Stodden, and the Impact of Social Media Conflict
- Subtitle: An Analysis of Public Figure Interaction and its Digital Repercussions
- Your Name
- Date
Slide Notes: "Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we'll be examining a significant social media conflict involving public figures Chrissy Teigen and Courtney Stodden. This case provides a compelling illustration of how social media platforms can both ignite and amplify interpersonal conflicts, with lasting consequences for those involved."
Slide 2: Introducing the Public Figures
- Left: Image of Chrissy Teigen (e.g., a professional headshot or a well-known social media profile picture).