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. To do this, create
a 10 slide PowerPoint presentation in which you use text and visuals to support your
narrative.
Introduction:
Social media has significantly influenced how interpersonal conflicts arise, escalate, and
are resolved. The constant connectivity provided by social platforms increases
opportunities for misunderstandings, as text-based communication often lacks the
non-verbal cues essential for accurately interpreting messages. This can lead to
frequent and intense disagreements. Moreover, the anonymity and distance of online
interactions embolden individuals to express opinions more aggressively than they
might face-to-face, exacerbating conflicts. The public nature of social media also means
that conflicts can quickly escalate, drawing in a wider audience and adding pressure to
the involved parties. However, social media also offers tools for conflict resolution, such
as blocking or muting users and engaging in private conversations, as well as access to
broader support networks that can provide valuable perspectives and aid in conflict
management. Overall, while social media can amplify interpersonal conflicts, it also
presents opportunities for improved communication and resolution if used thoughtfully.
Instruction:
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 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
1. Select a Public Figure:
○ 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.
○ Ensure there is enough information available to analyze the
conflict in detail.
2. Gather Information:
○ Collect at least three credible sources that provide information
about the conflict. These can include news articles, social
media posts, interviews, and academic articles.
○ Summarize the key points from each source, highlighting the
main aspects of the conflict and the public figure’s involvement.
Analysis
1. 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.
2. Communication Behaviors:
○ Analyze the communication behaviors of the public figure and
other parties involved. Discuss how these behaviors
contributed to the conflict.
○ Identify any specific posts, comments, or interactions that were
pivotal in the conflict’s development.
3. Impact and Consequences:
○ Discuss the impact of the conflict on the public figure’s
reputation, relationships, and career.
○ Analyze the broader societal impact, if applicable.
4. Conflict Resolution:
○ Describe any steps taken to resolve the conflict. Were they
effective? Why or why not?
○ Recommend strategies that could have been used to manage
and resolve the conflict more effectively