School of Communications faculty Amanda Sturgill and Karen Lindsey were recently quoted in an article in The Assembly about the Greensboro Police Department's social media presence.
Elon University communications faculty Amanda Sturgill and Karen Lindsey were quoted in a recent The Assembly article examining controversy surrounding the Greensboro Police Department’s social media strategy and questions about the role of humor in public communication.
The story explores how the department’s increasingly viral online presence has sparked debate about professionalism, public trust and community engagement.
Sturgill, an associate professor of journalism, whose research focuses oon the impact of social media, discussed how online engagement can reinforce existing opinions rather than bridge divides.
“People tend to over-value things that they agree with and already think,” Sturgill said, noting that controversial posts may deepen polarization instead of building trust with skeptical audiences.
Karen Lindsey, assistant professor of strategic communications, emphasized the importance of aligning social media content with an organization’s broader mission and goals.
“It’s really important to think about your goals for being present on social media,” Lindsey said. “And then, before you post anything, decide if it is aligning with those goals. Is your goal laughs and likes? Is it something larger?”
The article also includes perspectives from Elon alum Robin Cheeley ’81, a veteran journalist and communications professional whose company, WriteRight, advises people and companies on social media strategy and crisis communications.
Read the full article, “A Comedian Walks Into A Police Station,” in The Assembly.