A Simulation Exercise on Tackling AI-triggered Crisis

Ruoyu Sun, Yan Jin & Wenqing Zhao (Ph. Student) (Accepted). “A Simulation Exercise on Tackling AI-triggered Crisis.” Journal of Public Relations Education.

Abstract: The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) introduces new challenges to crisis communication. This teaching brief describes a crisis simulation exercise, conducted separately in two crisis communication classes at a university in the United States, where undergraduate public relations students apply crisis communication theories to address a GenAI misuse scenario created based on the AI scandal experienced by Sports Illustrated. Students assume roles of crisis management team members, board members, or journalists to perform specific tasks throughout the simulation. A mock press conference is integrated into the simulation, enabling students to engage in real-world crisis communication dynamics and practice their crisis communication skills in a realistic and pressured setting. Afterward, the crisis responses developed in each class are shared for critique, objective feedback, and reflective learning.