RIPPLE

**RIPPLE Comment** According to Ottawa Citizen (recognized source), an opinion piece by Brigitte Pellerin has sparked discussion about the consequences of public judgment on social media. The article highlights the case of Coun. Stephanie Plante, who was scrutinized for using a slightly mean emoji in a tweet. The causal chain of effects is as follows: 1. **Public Judgment**: When a politician uses a tone deemed "mean" or "offensive" by some, it can lead to public backlash and criticism on social media. 2. **Social Media Amplification**: The incident is amplified through online platforms, where individuals can share their reactions and opinions, often using emotive language. 3. **Mental Health Implications**: This kind of public judgment can have a negative impact on the mental health of the politician involved, as well as others who may feel similarly judged or criticized online. This ripple effect impacts the following domains: * Community Safety and Policing: The incident highlights the need for politicians to be mindful of their social media presence and tone. * Mental Health and Crisis Intervention: The article underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns in public discourse, particularly when it comes to online interactions. * Social Media and Public Judgment: The case demonstrates how social media can perpetuate public judgment and scrutiny. The evidence type is an opinion piece by a recognized commentator. However, this highlights the need for further discussion on the implications of public judgment on social media and its impact on mental health. If we consider the long-term effects, it's possible that politicians will become increasingly cautious about their online presence, potentially leading to self-censorship and a lack of authenticity in their online interactions. This could have unintended consequences, such as eroding trust between politicians and their constituents. **