Question

Case 3: In many ways, social media platforms have created great benefits for our societies by expanding and diversifying the ways people communicate with each other, and yet these platforms also have the power to cause harm

In 2013, Idalia Hernández Ramos, a middle school teacher in Mexico, was a victim of cyber harassment. After discovering that one of her students tweeted some harmful tweets and called the teacher Hernández names,Hernández confronted the girl during a lesson on social media etiquette. Inquiring why the girl would post such hurtful messages that could harm the teacher’s reputation, the student meekly replied that she was upset at the time. The teacher responded that she was very upset by the student’s actions. Demanding a public apology in front of the class, Hernández stated that she would not allow “young brats” to call her those names. Hernández uploaded a video of this confrontation online, attracting much attention.

Questions of case 3:

There are many issues in this case.

a. Explain the dilemma? What is the main cause?

b. What conflict is there according to ch2? What could have been done to avoid it?

Answer 1

a) As every coin has two side, same is with this case study. Hence, we will consider dilemma of the teacher as well as student and dig deeper into the cause.

Dilemma of students - As stated by the student - " I was upset at that time." depicts how frustrated she was at that point which made her call names to her teacher . Although, she prefers to hid behind the screen to avoid real confrontation assuming she would never be caught which is ofcourse not true. The main cause of this is misleading peer pressure, ignorant parenting and lack of social guidance.

Dilemma of teacher - Teacher being the victim here is more in a state of shock as nobody expects harassment. Her dilemma in the present situation was either to let go or confront the students. Out of which she choose later option. Reason being - to teach a lesson to the students and bring them on track.

b) As per my understanding of the situation and availability of information in the statement mentioned along with the questions, conflict was in the approach of students. As they couldn't figured out right way to vent out their frustration and end up harassing their teacher. So, the conflict was either to confront their teacher or to abid by misleading peer pressure and harass teacher online just to become cool in front of everyone. Some of the ways to avoid such conflicts are -

1) Counseling

2) Better parenting

3) Activity session for students and teacher to bond better.

4) Keeping a check on child social media either by parent or guardian.

5) Talking often on topic such as social media, harassment, privacy, fundamental rights, etc to make students aware.