Research Study Florida International University Fall 2020

Nresearch Study Florida International University Fall 2020 Covid

Nresearch Study Florida International University Fall 2020 Covid

Imagine you saw the following Twitter Page. Carefully read EVERYTHING on this page, as we will ask you about your impressions of Charlie Webb (a Twitter account owner) on the next survey page.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me about the “incident” that occurred this summer, and I wanted to let everyone know what happened. After the summer quarantine (which seemed to last forever!) and the anxiety and financial stress I was under … Charlie Webb @ webby001 14h Charlie Webb @ webby001 14h … I was thrilled to meet up with my friend Chris and just hang out at the mall. Unfortunately, I forgot my face mask at home.

When an employee at the mall questioned me about it, I got upset, and we had a little … shouting incident … Charlie Webb @ webby001 14h Charlie Webb @ webby001 14h … Okay, so maybe there was some invasion of the employee’s personal space, too. I’ll admit I was frustrated, and I could tell the employee was upset. I think Chris was upset, too. Yes, I was “escorted” from the mall (and banned for a while), but I’d like to think the incident is now in the past ... … All I ask is that you leave the incident in the past as well. Thanks for your support. #WhatsDoneIsDone

Part II: Impressions of Charlie Webb’s apology on Twitter

Please rate your agreement with the following statements about Charlie’s apology:

  • Charlie’s apology acknowledged the behavior was wrong Strongly Disagree — Strongly Agree
  • Charlie’s apology showed an acceptance of responsibility
  • Charlie’s apology showed an expression of remorse
  • Charlie’s apology included an offer to pay back (compensate) for the behavior
  • Charlie’s apology involved a pledge not to engage in the behavior again
  • Charlie’s apology seemed forced
  • Charlie’s apology seemed sincere
  • I would accept Charlie’s apology

Part III: Feelings about Charlie and Charlie’s behavior

Please rate your agreement with the following statements:

  • I think Charlie’s behavior was wrong
  • I think Charlie’s behavior was understandable
  • I think Charlie’s behavior is forgivable
  • Charlie seems regretful
  • Charlie seems selfish
  • Charlie seems moral
  • Charlie seems rude
  • I don’t think people should be forced to wear a mask at stores if they don’t want to wear it

Part IV: Demographic information

Note: you can leave blank any question you feel uncomfortable answering.

  • What is your gender (Mark one with an X)?
  • Male
  • Female
  • What is your age? ____29____
  • What is your race/ethnicity? (Mark one with an X):
  • ☑ Caucasian
  • Hispanic American
  • Native Indian
  • African American
  • Asian American
  • Other: __________________
  • Is English your first language? (Mark one with an X):
  • ☑ Yes
  • No
  • Are you a student at FIU (Mark one with an X):
  • No
  • ☑ Yes
  • What is your relationship status?
  • Single / No Relationship
  • In a relationship

Part V: Hashtag used by Charlie at the end of the Twitter post

Without looking back, what hashtag did Charlie end the Twitter post with? (Mark one with an X)

  • ___ #SorrySorrySorry
  • ___ #SorryNotSorry
  • __x__ #WhatsDoneIsDone

Paper For Above instruction

The impact of social media on perceptions of accountability during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis based on a Twitter case study

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered social interactions, emphasizing the importance of social media as a platform for communication and public opinion shaping. The case study involving Charlie Webb's Twitter post offers insight into how social media narratives influence public perceptions of responsibility, remorse, and social norms during a health crisis. This paper explores the role of social media in shaping perceptions of accountability, examining the specific case of Charlie Webb’s apology about a mask-related incident at a mall during the pandemic.

The social media post by Charlie Webb exemplifies how individuals utilize platforms like Twitter to communicate personal incidents and seek social validation or forgiveness. Charlie’s recounting of the incident—highlighting frustration over a mask requirement and the subsequent shouting incident—reflects a narrative that balances personal frustration with fourth-wall acknowledgment of social expectations. The post concludes with a hashtag indicating a dismissive attitude towards accountability, which can influence public sentiment toward the individual's remorse or sincerity.

Research suggests that social media often amplifies both positive and negative reactions to such incidents. When Charlie posted an apology, responses from followers or the general public likely ranged from empathetic understanding to skepticism about the sincerity of the apology. The way Charlie framed the incident, characterized by the use of phrases such as ‘‘leave the incident in the past’’ and “Thanks for your support,” could either suggest genuine remorse or an attempt to minimize blame, depending on individual perceptions.

The survey conducted alongside this case study measures subjective impressions and feelings towards Charlie’s apology, highlighting how social perceptions are formed based on online communication. The questions focusing on responsibility, remorse, and sincerity aim to discern whether viewers interpret Charlie’s statements as authentic or obligatory, and whether they agree or disagree with his justification or remorse. These perceptions are crucial because they influence social norms and individual behavior—especially during critical times such as a pandemic where mask-wearing was a contentious issue.

Furthermore, the analysis of demographic variables such as age, race, and political orientation can illuminate how different segments of the population respond to online apologies. For example, younger audiences or those with specific cultural backgrounds might prioritize personal responsibility differently than older or more conservative groups. These perceptions contribute to a broader understanding of the social function of apology statements on platforms like Twitter.

The hashtag used by Charlie, #WhatsDoneIsDone, encapsulates a dismissive attitude towards accountability, which can shape public discourse by undermining efforts to promote responsibility and remorse. Such hashtags often serve as signals to followers about personal attitudes towards the incident, influencing collective social norms and personal behavior.

In conclusion, this case study underscores the significant influence of social media in shaping contemporary perceptions of accountability and moral judgment during a global health crisis. The way individuals craft and respond to apologies online can reinforce or challenge social norms, affecting community cohesion and individual behavior. Recognizing the implications of social media communication during the pandemic is essential for understanding modern social dynamics, especially concerning issues of responsibility, remorse, and social sanctions.

References

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