“The Social Dilemma” is an intriguing documentary that shines a bright light on the complex and often puzzling aspects of social media’s ubiquitous influence on modern society. The film, directed by Jeff Orlowski, combines intelligent interviews with former tech insiders to reveal the hidden mechanics that run social media platforms as well as their significant impact on human behavior, society, and democracy.
Interviews with former employees of big tech companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Google, Pinterest and Twitter are featured in the documentary. The docudrama makes an interesting argument that the algorithms that operate social media sites are designed to provoke users to browse, click, and engage for as long as possible.
Silicon Valley tech gurus have become increasingly vocal about the hazardous impact of social networking sites, noting how Big Tech businesses use these platforms to mislead and influence consumers. These issues come from several main areas:
Algorithmic Manipulation : Advanced algorithms are frequently used by social media sites to organize users’ feeds and offer them stuff that is most likely to engage and to keep them scrolling. While this can improve the user experience, it can also produce a “filter bubble” that promotes current views while limiting awareness to diverse viewpoints. Experts claim that these algorithms promote sensational and alarming content, causing disinformation to spread and be promoted.
Addicting Design : To make their platforms addicting, tech companies use a variety of design methods. Infinite scrolling, push notifications, and “likes” – all these cause dopamine release in users’ brains, keeping them hooked and encouraging further use. According to critics, this attractive design encourages harmful screen time habits, anxiety, and even addiction among users, particularly young people.
False Information Spread : Unfortunately, the quick sharing of information can also lead to the rapid spread of disinformation and fake news, which can have serious consequences.
Despite efforts to prevent the spread of false information, it can still spread faster than it can be debunked. This is because false information often appeals to people’s emotions and biases, making it more likely to be shared and believed.
Tracking Data : Big Tech companies continuously collect massive amounts of customer data, which they then use to target customized advertisements and content. And this thing attracts the audience and the consumers don’t know anything about how their personal data leaked without their concern.
Psychological Impact : The frequent comparison of other people’s lives on social media might have a negative influence on users’ self-confidence along with mental health. Also, cyberbullying and online abuse are common on these platforms. This all has a bad impact on users’ psychological well-being.
Suggestions–
Spend less time on social media. It allows for more personal connections and the development of better relationships. It also reduces tension, protects privacy, and encourages engaging with real-world events. Embrace the real world.
“So, do it.
Get out of the system, Get off the stupid stuff.
The world is beautiful.
Look, look, it’s great out there.”
- Jaron Lanier (Founding Father of Virtual Reality)
Just think for a second, how much time we waste on these platforms just scrolling, browsing, liking and refreshing for more! And then what do we get?
This documentary is worth watching for everyone, especially the younger generation. Then they will realize where these platforms actually drive us and what is their main motto.
You can watch it on Netflix.
Main Cast and Tech Experts
Tristan Harris: Google, Former Design Ethicist.
Jeff Seibert: Twitter, Former Executive.
Bailey Richardson: Instagram, Early Team.
Joe Toscano:Google, Former Experience Design Consultant.
Sandy Parakilas: Facebook, Former Operations Manager.
Guillaume Chaslot: YouTube, Former Engineer.
Lynn Fox: Google, Former Corporate Communications;Apple, Former Director of Corporate PR
Aza Raskin: Firefox & Mozilla Labs.
Alex Roetter: Twitter, Former Senior Vice President of Engineering.
Tim Kendall: Facebook, Former Executive ;Pinterest, Former President .
Justin Rosenstein: Google, Former Engineer;Facebook, Former Engineer .
Jaron Lanier: Founding Father of Virtual Reality.
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Writer,
Plaban Dey
Intern,Content Writing Department
YSSE.