RRU in the media: Coldplay controversy and online harassment

When a couple’s intimate moment at a Coldplay concert went viral, it sparked more than just gossip—for digital communication experts like RRU’s Jaigris Hodson, it also ignited a deeper conversation about privacy, public behavior, and the ethics of internet virality.  

Hodson, associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Canada Research Chair in Digital Communication for the Public Interest, provided commentary in an interview on CBC’s BC Today about the ethical and social implications of viral videos and internet notoriety. 

The discussion touched on the emotional toll of internet exposure. Hodson pointed out that viral moments can cause harm not only to the individuals involved but also to their families and communities. She referenced her research on online harassment, noting that people connected to the target often suffer as well.   

Importantly, Hodson urged listeners to consider the human impact behind viral content. Social media platforms, driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement, often amplify content without regard to the consequences. She encouraged empathy and ethical reflection, reminding people that everyone has bad days and moments they regret—how we respond to others in those moments matters.  

Watch the full interview with Jaigris Hodson, starting at 29:40.