Create a hypothetical social media profile for a historical figure covered in Chapters 1–3 of Standage’s text (as referenced in the course). No real accounts or live platforms are required; this is purely theoretical and for analysis.
The exercise explores how historical figures would use modern communication technology to shape public thinking, culture, and discourse.
Five questions to answer accompany the media pieces, plus the creation of a portfolio with mock posts.
The platform choice should align with the historical figure’s message and audience; consider X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, etc. Each platform’s affordances influence the type of content and engagement strategy.
The assignment emphasizes the concept that the platform determines how a message is shaped and received (media ecology). This aligns with class discussions and Standage’s framing of communication technology’s impact on culture and public discourse (Standage, page 13).
Key decisions and workflow described in the prompt
Step 1: Pick a historical figure from Chapters 1–3 and determine the public persona and message for the profile.
Step 2: Decide on the primary platform where that figure would have the most influence today, given their message and audience. Examples discussed include whether Paul would be best on X, YouTube, podcasting, etc.
Step 3: Build a rationale for the chosen platform based on how the figure historically taught or communicated (e.g., Paul as a teacher writing long letters to multiple churches).
Step 4: Create a portfolio of engagement: two to three original content pieces and two to three pieces where the figure interacts with current public figures.
Step 5: If producing a video (long-form), script is acceptable; if not filming, write out the content clearly and precisely.
Step 6: Plan interactions with other online figures (e.g., Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro) and describe potential topics, interview formats, and rationale.
Step 7: Use either mock posts created in Canva or similar tools; attach these as a Word document or image file to the assignment submission in Canvas.
Step 8: For each deliverable, include a rationale that links back to the historical figure’s beliefs, audience, and the platform’s affordances; cite the source text frequently.
Step 9: Address cross-cutting questions about how contemporary social conversations would shift if the figure participated in modern media; consider audience, scope, and ethical implications.
Step 10: Be explicit about the religious, cultural, or political implications of the figure’s online presence and how brands or partnerships might occur or be avoided.
Platform and message alignment: Paul as a case study
Core question: What type of messages would Paul (the biblical teacher) convey if he had a modern online presence?
Long-form, teaching-oriented content fits YouTube best because:
His letters were long, precise, and addressed multiple congregations as well as individual groups (historical context).
YouTube enables discussions with guests, Q&A, and sermon-style series that can be serialized.
Quick-take channels (e.g., X) could be suitable for pithy statements, calls to action, and resharing—but may not capture the depth of his teaching style.
The prompt’s example reasoning: Paul could plausibly be a YouTube teacher and lecturer, with occasional podcast-style interviews or guest appearances.
The instructor’s internal rationale (as presented in the video): Paul might engage on YouTube for mass teaching, while also appearing on podcasts like Joe Rogan or interviewing others (e.g., Jordan Peterson) to discuss topics relevant to faith, culture, and ethics.
Rationale for choosing YouTube for Paul: It aligns with his historical role as a teacher who addressed multiple churches and individuals in a setting that invites conversation and deeper exploration of complex topics.
Important caveat: The platform choice should be justified in relation to the figure’s audience, message, and the modern cultural landscape. Standage’s framing of how media shapes public discourse underpins these decisions. (Standage, page 13)
Deliverables required
Deliverables format: written text for the rationale and content ideas; optional mock media posts (two to three original posts) and two to three engagement pieces with public figures.
Mock posts can be created using free tools like Canva and attached to a Word document for submission; no live posting is required.
Two to three original pieces (content that the figure would create) + two to three pieces that show interaction with public figures.
Example content routes for Paul on YouTube:
Sermon-series style videos (long-form teaching on a modern issue) imagined as if delivered to a contemporary audience.
Scripted video where Paul addresses a topic directly to the camera; could include scripture references and modern applications.
Example interaction content:
An interview-style video or podcast episode with a contemporary thinker (e.g., Jordan Peterson) discussing faith, reason, and culture.
A discussion or debate clip that references current cultural topics (e.g., Israel/Middle East, ethics, AI) and how Paul’s perspective might shape the dialogue.
Example cross-interactions:
Paul could review or respond to a clip from Ben Shapiro or other thought leaders, explaining what he would affirm or critique in relation to faith and public life.
A panel-style discussion where Paul and a modern theologian discuss church leadership, courage, and social issues.
Citations: Throughout the rationale, reference the primary text, and specifically cite Standage where applicable (e.g., Standage, page 13) to support claims about media ecology and the relationship between platform and message.
Final deliverable structure should explicitly answer the five questions accompanying the assignment and include the note that two to three original pieces plus two to three interaction pieces have been drafted or outlined. The five questions are:
Which figure and platform did you choose, and why?
What is the figure’s message, and how does the platform shape it?
What are two to three original content ideas, and two to three interaction ideas?
How would the figure interact with modern public discourse, and what would change in today’s conversation if they were present?
How does the chosen approach align with the figure’s historical context and Standage’s framework? (Cite the book accordingly.)
Content development: Sample content ideas and structure
Content idea 1 (original piece): YouTube sermon-series style video
Topic: “Grace and Law in the Modern Church”
Format: Direct address to camera; script outline with key verses; modern applications; call to action.
Target audience: Contemporary church and seekers.
Possible call-outs: Scripture references; historical context from Paul’s letters; questions for audience
Rationale: Long-form teaching leverages Paul’s historical role as a teacher to reach diverse audiences; supports dialogue with viewers.
Content idea 2 (original piece): YouTube long-form interview with a contemporary thinker (e.g., Jordan Peterson)
Topic: “Faith, Reason, and Cultural Crisis”
Format: Interview setup with moderator; questions focusing on how faith intersects with modern culture; potential script for opening and closing statements
Rationale: Paul would engage with thinkers who influence contemporary culture; a moderated interview allows exploration of tensions between faith and secular philosophy.
Content idea 3 (original piece): Live panel-style conversation addressing a contentious issue (e.g., AI and ethics)
Topic: “Ethics, AI, and the Image of God”
Format: Hosted discussion with guests including theologians or ethicists; curated reading list.
Interaction idea 1: Clip response to a modern public figure’s stance (e.g., a Ben Shapiro clip)
Purpose: Explain where Paul would agree or differ within the framework of church teaching.
Interaction idea 2: Interview invitation to a public figure (e.g., Joe Rogan) for dialogue about real Christians vs. cultural Christians; outline questions and expected outcomes.
Interaction idea 3: Collaboration with a contemporary Christian author (e.g., discussions around a book like “Church of Cowards”) to discuss themes and how Paul would respond today.
Content production notes:
If producing video: a script or talking points with direction for visuals, slides, and scripture citations; otherwise, detailed written content that approximates the voice and tone of the figure.
If not filming: provide a written outline of the video content and a transcript-style draft.
Connections to course concepts and real-world relevance
Link to media ecology: How platform affordances shape messages, audience reach, and interaction patterns; how culture values and communication practices shift when a historical figure engages with modern technology.
Tie to foundational principles in communication theory: mass media vs. interpersonal communication, and how different channels (video, audio, text) produce different interpretive effects.
Ethical and cultural implications: Representing a historical figure online raises questions about accuracy, context, and interpretation; potential for misquotation or misrepresentation must be mitigated by faithful sourcing and explicit caveats.
Real-world relevance: Examines how religious figures, political figures, or cultural icons would navigate today’s digital landscape; opens discussion about how technology accelerates or reshapes public discourse.
Use of Standage as a source: Ground the rationale in Standage’s analysis of how media technologies alter the speed, reach, and impact of messages; reference page 13 as the basis for linking platform choice to cultural effects.
Ethical and practical considerations
Accuracy and fidelity: Strive to represent the historical figure’s beliefs and voice accurately; clearly indicate when content is hypothetical and for analytical purposes.
Respect for diverse audiences: Acknowledge the different cultural and religious sensitivities involved in portraying religious figures online.
Critical reflection on modern platforms: Consider how algorithmic amplification, audience feedback, and platform policies could influence the figure’s online behavior and messaging.
Documentation and citations: Cite the primary text throughout the rationale to demonstrate how the historical context informs platform choices and content strategies.
Summary of key takeaways
The choice of platform should align with the figure’s teaching style, audience, and historical context; for Paul, YouTube(long-form teaching) is a strong fit due to the nature of his letters and congregational instruction.
A robust project includes both original content and interactions with contemporary figures to explore dialog across time and ideology.
The portfolio should demonstrate understanding of how media ecology shapes message, audience, and cultural impact (Standage, page 13).
The deliverables require thoughtful justification, ethical considerations, and evidence-based connections to the source material, with explicit citations throughout.
References to support rationale
Standage, Tom. The Victorian Internet (as framing for how media technologies affect culture and public discourse).
Course lectures on media ecology and the impact of platforms on message dissemination (refer to page 13 and related notes).
Instructor guidance in the assignment brief describing two to three original pieces, two to three interaction pieces, mock-post tools (e.g., Canva), and submission format in Canvas.