Devaluing Public Apologies in the Age of Social Media - by Joshua M Bentley (Hardcover)

About the Book

Devaluing Public Apologies in the Age of Social Media argues that apologies are losing their meaning because people treat them as strategical tools while ignoring their ethical implications. Recent apologies by celebrities, politicians, and brands are examined to show how apologies need to be rooted in values to be effective.

Book Synopsis

In Devaluing Public Apologies in the Age of Social Media, Joshua M. Bentley argues that apologies are losing their meaning in American society as organizations and public figures treat them as strategical tools without considering their ethical implications. As the demand for apologies in the age of social media continues to increase exponentially, Bentley posits, the apologies that are given carry less and less weight to the public. This book examines how controversial figures like Donald Trump and Joe Rogan, as well as brands like Google and Bud Light, have addressed public controversies both effectively and ineffectively, illustrating how social media, polarization, and cancel culture are changing the way apologies are given and received. If apologies are to serve their historical role of resolving conflict peacefully, Bentley argues, they must be placed back into their proper ethical context. This book offers insight on how individuals and organizations can ensure their apologies reflect their authentic values. Scholars of communication, ethics, media studies, political science, and public relations will find it especially useful.

Review Quotes

"Joshua Bentley convincingly argues that political polarization, social media, and cancel culture are unmooring apologies from their ethical roots ... Bentley builds his arguments systematically from the ground up, making the book maximally accessible to general readers, and he ends with some guidance for citizens. This is a timely and clearly written analysis of an important topic." --CHOICE

About the Author

Joshua M. Bentley is associate professor of strategic communication in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.