Social Media Ethics

For this game, you may want a pen and some paper to take notes on the game's discussion questions. Click through the story, and choose the option you would most likely make in each situation. You may wish to [[Review]] certain ethical principles as the game progresses. There will be a [[Review]] option on each page. [[Scenario 1]]

You are walking to lunch when you feel your phone buzz. It's a GroupMe message that includes about 20 people, and they're all spreading rumors about a younger student at the school. You [[ignore]] the message and continues to the lunchroom. You [[respond]] to the message, telling your classmates to cool it. You take a [[screenshot]] of the message, and send them to the principal anonymously.

"Morality" - knowing the difference between right & wrong in a given situation "Ethics" - using morality to govern your decisions in a given situations "Do No Harm" - ethical principle that emphasizes not hurting others. "Make Things Better" - ethical principle that emphasizes helping others and helping the environment you're in (school, work, etc.) "Respect Others" - ethical principle that emphasizes treating others the way you would like to be treated. Telling the truth, keeping your word, not gossiping about them, etc. "Self-Awareness" - ethical principle that emphasizes understanding who you are (identity) and how you and your actions affect others.

You don't like the way they're talking about the younger student, and decide to ignore the text. Reflection: By not spreading the rumors, which [[ethical principle|Review]] are you following? At this point, is there another way to follow this principle, AND intervene to help the younger student? You continue walking to the [[lunchroom|SecondA]].

You don't like the way your friends are talking about this kid, and you tell them so. You respond to the GroupMe and tell them not to talk about that student. ReflectionWhich of the [[ethical principles|Review]] does this action reflect? Would you be comfortable responding in this way? Why or why not? You continue walking to the [[Lunchroom|SecondB]]

You don't think your friends will listen to you if you tell them to stop talking about this kid. But the rumors they're spreading are pretty messed up. You take a few screenshots of the conversation, and send them to the principal anonymously. Reflection: Which [[ethical principles|Review]] does this action reflect? Why? Would you be comfortable doing this to help someone? What is another way you could help someone who is being bullied online? You keep walking to the [[lunchroom|SecondC]]

When you enter the lunchroom, you grab your food and look for a place to sit. You notice the younger student sitting alone. A group of your friends are laughing and pointing at him. What would you do? [[Sit with the younger student|solidarity]] [[Sit with your friends|leadership]]

You sit across from the younger student, and strike up a conversation. He seems relieved, and talks to you. Both of you ignore the rest of the students. Reflection: Which of the [[ethical principles|Review]] does this action follow? Would you be comfortable sticking up for this student in this way? Why is the principle of self-determination particularly important in this situation? [[Final]]

You sit with your friends, who try to get you to throw french fries at the younger student. You refuse, and tell them to leave the kid alone. They poke fun at you for a moment, but then change the subject and do as you ask. Reflection: Which of the [[ethical principles|Review]] does this action follow? Would you be comfortable with speaking up for a student in this way? What would be another option for helping this student? [[Final]]

When you enter the lunchroom, you notice a group blocking the line for the snack bar. Some of the students from the GroupMe message are calling the younger student names, and trying to take his iPod. You cause a [[distraction]] by knocking over a stack of trays. You wave down the cafeteria [[monitor|adult]] before getting in line for food.

You know the group will leave him alone if something else catches their attention. You knock over a stack of trays, causing a loud noise. Everyone turns to stare at you, and some people laugh, but it gives the younger student time to get away. Reflection: Does this action align with any [[ethical principles|Review]]? Which do you think fit, and why? What would be another way of distracting a group, without causing a scene? Would you be comfortable putting your own suggestion into action. [[Final]]

You're no snitch, but you can see this kid is in trouble. You manage to catch the cafeteria monitor's eye, and nod over to the group before getting in line. Discussion: Why would getting an adult's attention help this situation? Is this the most ethical choice? Why or why not? Which [[ethical principles|Review]] does this action reflect? Would you be comfortable doing this? Why or why not? [[Final]]

Your friend stops you just outside of the lunchroom. They're planning on putting bugs in the younger student's lunch when he's not looking. They want to know if you're in. You tell them [[no|defy]]. You run in to [[warn]] the student.

You're sick of this for the day, and tell them no. Reflection: Which [[ethical principle|Review]] does this action reflect? Is telling refusing to go along with the plan enough? What else would you be comfortable doing in this situation, and how would your actions reflect ethical principles? [[Final]]

That's disgusting. You roll your eyes at your friend, and go into the lunch room. As you make your way to the line, you spot the younger student, and give him a heads up to keep an eye on his food. Reflection: Is this the most ethical choice for the situation? What else could be done here, and how would it be an ethical choice? [[Final]]

Reflect on your gameplay, and answer these questions. This will help us make the game better! 1. If you had to play again, would you make different choices? If so, where and why? 2. Could you see this situation happening at your school? 3. What other bullying situations have you witnessed that could be added to the game? 4. Did this help you to understand ethical principles? How so?