Both the discussions I moderated and attended went extremely well from my point of view! Although it was an interesting and different experience because of its setting on zoom, I think there was very high participation overall, and we were able to collaborate back and forth answering each other’s questions and comments.

Analytical Process

Discuss Personal and Emotional Experiences, as Well as Known Facts

In my group’s discussion regarding mental health in high school, I took on the role of moderating the personal stake section. In our zoom setting, I was able to utilize the chat feature to start the conversation, and then go from there. Many people were willing to share about their personal experiences with how their high schools handled mental health assistance and awareness. These personal examples brought a lot to the table because we were all able to see that there is not one uniform approach to how high schools implement counseling and mental health assistance. 

In the other discussions regarding facial recognition, censorship, and gender bias in the media, I participated in all of the person stakes in order to share my personal experiences. For facial recognition, I shared that my bank uses facial recognition to open my app. All of the other deliberations did a great job encouraging others to share their personal experiences either in the chat or in the discussion.

Furthermore, I think one of my biggest contributions to other discussions was when I shared that vsco is my favorite social media platform. This is a personal opinion that I value because vsco is a place where I can post my pictures without the stress of who is going to like it or share it compared to other peoples’ posts. 

Update Your Own Opinion in Light of What You Have Learned. No Joint Decision Needs to be Reached

In my discussion about mental health in high school, I went into the discussion with a slightly negative feeling about my high school counselors. From my own personal experiences, I have been frustrated with my lack of relationship with my guidance counselor, and we did not work together very well. However, once Tim shared that his mother is a guidance counselor who works very hard and sacrifices for her job, my opinion shifted. I now looked at the situation from both sides and was able to see that it is not the guidance counselor’s fault that they are overworked and given too many students and topics to observe. 

Brainstorm a Variety of Ways to Address the Problem

In my group’s deliberation, we were able to effectively create three possible solutions to addressing the problem. We created three approaches: address mental health earlier on in the education experience, standardize mental health action plans across public schools, and provide equal attention to the college application process and students’ mental health. I believe that these approaches had various pros and cons that aided to a successful conversation.

In the discussion about censorship, a lot of insightful information and opinions were shared about how to limit negative comments on the internet. One proposed solution during the deliberation was to not make comments available on certain articles. This was debated back and forth, and thus created a good conversation about a solution and how it may contradict with citizens’ free speech. 

Social Process

Adequately Distribute Speaking Opportunities

Although we were unfamiliar with how the discussion would play out on zoom, during my group’s discussion, many people participated and distributed the speaking time evenly amongst themselves. There may be people who are uncomfortable with sharing their thoughts by speaking, but there was also high participation in the chat during the personal steak selection of our moderation. 

Respect Other Participants 

Mental health can be a personal and difficult topic to discuss, and I think that our deliberation did an amazing job respecting the topic and everyone’s personal experiences with it. There was never any tension or arguments, and people were very understanding and supportive when other people shared.

In the other discussions regarding censorship, gender bias in the media, and facial recognition, all participants engaged with each other in a very respectful manner. There did not seem to be disagreements in any of the deliberations, only different opinions. 

Listen Carefully to What Others Have to Say Especially if you Disagree

Our deliberation did a good job of having people go back and forth or build off of what other participants were saying; therefore, it is evident that all participants were actively listening when other people were speaking. Although the setting was on zoom, there was high participation and engagement because cameras were on, and many people displayed active body language and movements.