Crisis Communication in the Influencer Era: A Crisis Response Analysis of Poppi and Alani Nu

Name

• Meredith E. Staley, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2026

Major

Public Relations (B.S.)

Release Option

Open Access

Faculty Mentor

Michelle Groover

Abstract

As social media continues to reshape modern public relations practice, beverage brands like Alani Nu and Poppi offer relevant examples of influencer-driven communication and crisis response. This honors thesis compares and contrasts these brands following two major crises: Poppi’s influencer vending machine campaign and the health concerns and backlash surrounding Alani Nu’s energy drinks. Despite the well-known prevalence of these brands, there is little scholarly research examining their crisis communication strategies. Guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory, this study uses a combination of social and news media content analysis to evaluate how each brand responded to its respective crisis. Each brand is assessed based on how the crisis was handled, with particular attention to response strategies, tone, transparency, and messaging. The study then compares and contrasts these approaches to identify key similarities and differences in crisis response methods. It is hypothesized that crisis communication strategies perceived as authentic and transparent are more effective in maintaining a positive brand reputation, particularly within the fast-moving social media environment.

Thesis Summary

This thesis details two crises from popular drink brands, Poppi and Alani Nu. This thesis will analyze the crisis response strategies from each brand, guided by the Situational Crisis Communication Theory, providing a comparative content analysis of each brand's social media crisis responses. 

Recommended Citation

Staley, Meredith E., "Crisis Communication in the Influencer Era: A Crisis Response Analysis of Poppi and Alani Nu" (2026). Honors College Theses. 1089.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/1089