Social Media Conflict Analysis: Communication Patterns

Created byLaura Schroeder

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Social Media Conflict Analysis: Communication Patterns

Grade 9Sociology2 days

In this project, students take on the role of digital sociologists to analyze communication patterns in real-world social media conflicts. They select a conflict, create a case file documenting key players and events, and analyze specific communication breakdowns. Students then develop a timeline of the conflict's evolution and propose strategies for managing or resolving similar situations in the future, promoting constructive online interactions.

Social Media ConflictCommunication PatternsDigital SociologyConflict ResolutionOnline InteractionsCase Study AnalysisCritical Thinking

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as digital sociologists, analyze and understand the role of communication in real-world social media conflicts, and what strategies can we develop to promote constructive online interactions?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do communication patterns escalate or de-escalate conflicts on social media?
What are the common causes of social media conflicts, and how do they reflect broader social issues?
How can individuals and communities use communication strategies to manage and resolve conflicts on social media?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to identify and analyze communication patterns in social media conflicts.
Students will be able to understand the causes and effects of social media conflicts.
Students will be able to develop strategies for managing and resolving conflicts on social media.

Common Core

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9.7

Primary

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: Researching and analyzing a social media conflict aligns with research project standards.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1

Secondary

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.Reason: Analyzing communication patterns involves collaborative discussions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Deconstruct Viral Fails

Show a compilation of viral social media fails where communication breakdowns led to public embarrassment or outrage. Students analyze the clips, pinpointing the exact moments where communication went wrong and suggesting alternative approaches.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Conflict Case File: Initial Observation

Students select a social media conflict to follow, documenting initial observations and outlining key players.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose a social media conflict that is currently unfolding or has recently concluded. Examples: a dispute between public figures, a controversy around a brand, or a community debate.

2. Create a 'Conflict Case File' - a digital or physical document where you'll compile all your findings.

3. Identify and list the key individuals or groups involved in the conflict. Briefly describe their roles and initial positions.

4. Write a short summary of the conflict as it appears at the outset. What are the main issues? What are the initial reactions?

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Conflict Case File' document with identified key players and an initial summary of the conflict.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9.7 by initiating research into a specific subject, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1 by setting the stage for collaborative discussions on observed conflicts.

Activity 2

Communication Breakdown Decoder

Students analyze specific instances of communication within their chosen conflict, identifying patterns and potential misinterpretations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select 3-5 specific posts, comments, or exchanges from the social media conflict that are particularly revealing or pivotal.

2. For each selected communication, transcribe the text and identify the sender and receiver.

3. Analyze the language used: Is it inflammatory? Is it ambiguous? Is it respectful? Note any instances of loaded language, logical fallacies, or emotional appeals.

4. Consider the potential for misinterpretation. How might the receiver understand the message differently from the sender's intention? What contextual factors might influence their interpretation?

5. Document your analysis in the 'Conflict Case File,' including direct quotes and your interpretations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed analysis of communication patterns within the chosen social media conflict, added to the 'Conflict Case File.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFurthers CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9.7 by deepening the research into communication patterns and their effects, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1 by providing material for structured discussions on effective communication.

Activity 3

Conflict Evolution Timeline

Students create a timeline illustrating the progression of the conflict, mapping key events and communication milestones.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Using your 'Conflict Case File' and additional research, create a chronological timeline of the social media conflict.

2. Mark key events on the timeline, such as initial posts, responses, escalations, and attempts at resolution.

3. For each event, include a brief description of what happened and its immediate impact on the conflict.

4. Identify communication milestones – specific exchanges or posts that significantly altered the course of the conflict. Note these on the timeline as well.

5. Visually represent the timeline using a digital tool or a physical poster board.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual timeline of the social media conflict, showcasing its evolution and key communication milestones, added to the 'Conflict Case File.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9.7 by synthesizing information from multiple sources into a coherent narrative, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1 by facilitating presentations and discussions about the conflict's development.

Activity 4

Resolution Roadmap

Students propose strategies for managing or resolving the social media conflict, based on their analysis of communication patterns.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Based on your analysis of the conflict in your 'Conflict Case File,' brainstorm potential strategies for managing or resolving the situation.

2. Consider strategies such as: direct dialogue, mediation, public apologies, changes in communication style, or community moderation.

3. Choose 2-3 strategies that you believe would be most effective.

4. For each strategy, explain how it would address the underlying issues of the conflict and improve communication.

5. Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles to implementing your strategies. How might key players react? What resources would be needed?

6. Document your proposed strategies and their justifications in the 'Conflict Case File.'

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed 'Resolution Roadmap' outlining strategies for managing or resolving the social media conflict, with justifications and potential challenges, added to the 'Conflict Case File'.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCulminates CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9.7 by applying research to propose solutions to a real-world problem, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9.1 by preparing students to present and defend their strategies in a collaborative setting.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Social Media Conflict Analysis Rubric

Category 1

Conflict Case File: Initial Observation

Assessment of the student's ability to select a relevant social media conflict, identify key players, and summarize the initial issues.

Criterion 1

Conflict Selection & Relevance

Evaluates the appropriateness and relevance of the chosen social media conflict to the learning objectives.

Exemplary

4 Points

Chooses a highly relevant and engaging social media conflict that demonstrates a clear understanding of social media dynamics.

Proficient

3 Points

Chooses a relevant social media conflict that aligns with the learning objectives.

Developing

2 Points

Chooses a social media conflict that is somewhat relevant but may lack clear connections to the learning objectives.

Beginning

1 Points

Chooses a social media conflict that is not relevant or appropriate for the learning objectives.

Criterion 2

Key Player Identification

Assesses the student's ability to accurately identify and describe the roles of key individuals or groups involved in the conflict.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately identifies and comprehensively describes the roles and initial positions of all key players, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of their motivations.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately identifies and describes the roles and initial positions of the key players.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some of the key players but may lack detail in describing their roles or initial positions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify the key players or provide accurate descriptions of their roles.

Criterion 3

Conflict Summary

Evaluates the clarity and accuracy of the student's initial summary of the social media conflict.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a clear, concise, and insightful summary of the conflict, accurately capturing the main issues and initial reactions with a strong understanding of the context.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a clear and accurate summary of the conflict, outlining the main issues and initial reactions.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a summary of the conflict that may lack clarity or contain inaccuracies.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to provide a coherent summary of the conflict or misrepresents the main issues.

Category 2

Communication Breakdown Decoder

Assessment of the student's ability to analyze specific instances of communication, identifying patterns and potential misinterpretations.

Criterion 1

Communication Selection

Evaluates the choice of posts/comments and their relevance to the conflict.

Exemplary

4 Points

Selects highly revealing and pivotal communications that provide a strong basis for analysis.

Proficient

3 Points

Selects relevant communications that contribute to understanding the conflict.

Developing

2 Points

Selects communications that are somewhat relevant but may not be the most insightful choices.

Beginning

1 Points

Selects communications that are not relevant or do not contribute to understanding the conflict.

Criterion 2

Language Analysis

Assesses the depth and accuracy of the student's analysis of the language used in the selected communications.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the language used, accurately identifying loaded language, logical fallacies, and emotional appeals with sophisticated understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a detailed analysis of the language used, identifying instances of loaded language, logical fallacies, or emotional appeals.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some aspects of the language used but may lack depth in the analysis.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to analyze the language used or misinterprets its meaning.

Criterion 3

Misinterpretation Analysis

Evaluates the student's ability to consider potential misinterpretations and contextual factors.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of potential misinterpretations and contextual factors, providing compelling insights into how different receivers might understand the message.

Proficient

3 Points

Considers potential misinterpretations and contextual factors that might influence the receiver's understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies potential misinterpretations but may not fully consider the contextual factors.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to consider potential misinterpretations or contextual factors.

Category 3

Conflict Evolution Timeline

Assessment of the student's ability to create a timeline illustrating the progression of the conflict, mapping key events and communication milestones.

Criterion 1

Timeline Accuracy & Completeness

Evaluates the accuracy and completeness of the timeline, including the identification of key events and milestones.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a highly accurate and comprehensive timeline that includes all key events and communication milestones, demonstrating a deep understanding of the conflict's progression.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates an accurate and complete timeline that includes the key events and communication milestones.

Developing

2 Points

Creates a timeline that includes some of the key events and milestones but may be missing important information.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates an incomplete or inaccurate timeline that fails to capture the key events and milestones.

Criterion 2

Event Description & Impact

Assesses the clarity and accuracy of the descriptions of each event and its immediate impact on the conflict.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides clear, concise, and insightful descriptions of each event and its immediate impact, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of cause and effect.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear and accurate descriptions of each event and its immediate impact.

Developing

2 Points

Provides descriptions of the events but may lack clarity or detail regarding their impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to describe the events or their impact on the conflict.

Criterion 3

Visual Representation

Evaluates the effectiveness and clarity of the visual representation of the timeline.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a visually appealing and highly effective timeline that enhances understanding of the conflict's evolution, demonstrating creativity and attention to detail.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a clear and effective visual representation of the timeline.

Developing

2 Points

Creates a visual representation of the timeline that may be difficult to interpret or lack clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to create an effective visual representation of the timeline.

Category 4

Resolution Roadmap

Assessment of the student's ability to propose strategies for managing or resolving the social media conflict, based on their analysis of communication patterns.

Criterion 1

Strategy Identification

Evaluates the appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed strategies.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies highly appropriate and feasible strategies that demonstrate a deep understanding of conflict resolution principles and social media dynamics.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies appropriate and feasible strategies for managing or resolving the conflict.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies strategies that may be somewhat appropriate but lack feasibility or clear connections to the conflict.

Beginning

1 Points

Identifies strategies that are not appropriate or feasible for resolving the conflict.

Criterion 2

Justification & Explanation

Assesses the clarity and thoroughness of the justification for each strategy.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a clear, thorough, and insightful justification for each strategy, explaining how it addresses the underlying issues and improves communication with sophisticated reasoning.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a clear and thorough justification for each strategy, explaining how it addresses the underlying issues and improves communication.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a justification for each strategy but may lack clarity or thoroughness.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to provide a coherent justification for the proposed strategies.

Criterion 3

Challenge Anticipation

Evaluates the student's ability to anticipate potential challenges or obstacles to implementing the strategies.

Exemplary

4 Points

Anticipates potential challenges and obstacles with insightful analysis, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in implementing the strategies and proposing solutions to these challenges.

Proficient

3 Points

Anticipates potential challenges and obstacles to implementing the strategies.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some potential challenges but may not fully consider their impact or likelihood.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to anticipate potential challenges or obstacles.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflecting on your 'Conflict Case File,' what was the most surprising communication pattern you observed in the social media conflict, and how did it influence the conflict's progression?

Text

Required

Question 2

To what extent do you think the strategies you proposed in your 'Resolution Roadmap' could be applied to other social media conflicts?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which of the following skills do you feel you developed the most through this project?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Analyzing communication patterns

Understanding the causes and effects of social media conflicts

Developing strategies for managing and resolving conflicts

Researching and synthesizing information