Toxic for Teens? Navigating a Career in the Social Media Industry (B)

This case is part of the Giving Voice to Values (GVV) curriculum. To see other material in the GVV curriculum, please visit http://store.darden.virginia.edu/giving-voice-to-values. Gia is an early-career data analyst at an industry-leading social media company. When she is asked to prepare a research report presenting analysis of user data, Gia is confronted with a challenge. After conducting thoughtful research and reviewing previous reports, she is troubled by data suggesting that her company’s flagship product is negatively impacting young users. Her supervisor advises her that acting on these concerns is futile and may lead to consequences for her prospects at the company. Despite this warning, Gia wants to raise these concerns to her superiors, but she is unsure how to do so effectively.

This fictionalized case addresses ethical issues around social media, data, and young users, as well as strategies for early-career employees to voice concerns to superiors.