Social Media - Game Script the Blessings and Curses of Social Networks


Background

Maratahi is an isolated country with an isolated population. The country has its own internet, very strict border control, and almost no contact with the rest of the world by its average citizen. Maratahi's dictor, Supreme Leader Tono-Tono, is considering introducing a brand new social network to the country and has decided to ask for the advice of those who have experienced a society influenced by social media: you.

You and four other people from different walks of life have been abruptly kidnapped to participate in a debate in the presence of Supreme Leader Tono-Tono to help him decide whether or not he should introduce a social media to Maratahi.

Characters

Old-School Oscar Psychologist

Oscar yearns for the good ol' days when families sat around the living room and actually spoke face to face and weren't buried in a range of devices.


Your Task

Dear Oscar, you need to convince Supreme Leader Tono-Tono that social media is destroying society and the way we communicate. Try to establish your arguments using the resources offered to you. They are worth reading...


Resources

Scene - 01

New-Age Nancy Videographer

Nancy is hugely active on social media like Facebook, Vine, and YouTube and believes that these platforms open up wonderful opportunities for self expression for the new generation.


Your Task

Dear Character, you need to convince Supreme Leader Tono-Tono that social media is a wonderful thing that broadens humanity's horizons. Try to establish your arguments using the resources offered to you. They are worth reading...


Resources

Scene - 01

Concerned Kurt

Kurt is a parent who worries about the safety risks associated with social media. Cyberbullying, identity theft and easily accessible innappropriate content are just some of the many things that threaten users of social media.


Your Task

Dear Character, you need to convince Supreme Leader Tono-Tono that the internet is a potentially dangerous place for everyone and especially for children. Try to establish your arguments using the resources offered to you. They are worth reading...


Resources

Scene - 01

Freedom Freida Activist

Freida places great value in social media and the internet's ability to give a voice to those who might otherwise go unrepresented. She sees new media as a fantastic tool for promoting equality and exposing injustice.


Your Task

Dear Character, you need to convince Supreme Leader Tono-Tono that social media is a powerful tool for the greater good. Try to establish your arguments using the resources offered to you. They are worth reading...


Resources

Scene - 01

Nerdy Ned Scientist

Technological advancement and education in the future are what really excite Ned. Social media communities have to potential to further group learning and education given the right guidelines.


Your Task

Dear Character, you need to convince Supreme Leader Tono-Tono that social media and the internet are fantastic tools for learning. Try to establish your arguments using the resources offered to you. They are worth reading...


Resources

Scene - 01

Scene 1: Maratahi's Social Network Panel


1.

Public Message

Greetings Westerners, I am Supreme Leader Tono-Tono of the prosperous country of Maratahi. I am considering introducing a closed social network to my isolated citizens. I have brought you here as Westerners experienced with social networks and their effects to help me decide.

Now: argue your case. Will social media be a good thing for the people of Maratahi?


2.

Private (a while after previous message)

Old-School Oscar:

You are cynical about new media and it's social effect on society.

New-Age Nancy:

You are optimistic about new media and it's creative and expressive potential.

Concerned Kurt:

You are cynical about new media and it's social effect on society.

Freedom Freida:

You are optimistic about new media and it's creative and expressive potential.

Nerdy Ned:

You are optimistic about new media and it's creative and expressive potential.


3.

Public Message (a while after previous message)

I have heard your initial points. Now tell me: If you had the opportunity to build a social network from scratch, what would you do differently than existing social networks like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter?


Vote

[username], after all you heard and said, do you think Maratahi should adopt its own social network?



Option 1
Yes
Option 2
No

Ending message for when most people voted for option



Option 1

The majority of the panel voted NO for a social network in Maratahi!


Option 2

The majority of the panel voted YES for a social network in Maratahi!



Discussion Points

  • What are the biggest benefits that come from social media?
  • What are the biggest drawbacks?
  • How would you modify existing social networks to make them more socially responsible?
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