Courtesy of Creative Commons/LA REVUE
Netflix’s recent documentary puts our growing use of social media under the microscope.
BY
Staff reporter
When scrolling through Netflix’s “popular now page”, a user’s eyes are often drawn to the mesmerizing stream of favorite picks from viewers around the world. One thing I could attest to is that I was undoubtedly intrigued when I came across Netflix’s revealing new documentary, “The Social Dilemma.”
“The Social Dilemma” is a Netflix Original documentary focused on exploring what’s behind the technology and screens used in the 21st century. It brings awareness and attention to the consequences of technology addiction and vulnerability in our society. This coincides with the urgency for the population to turn around this important issue before there is a complete takeover of technology and business.
When reading this title for the first time, I felt a hollow in my stomach. Mainly because it felt like a direct attack on all of humanity, but once I read the description I saw it less as an ambush and more as a cry for help.
Not based on influencers, public figures or advocates, “The Social Dilemma” tells an interesting perspective from the Silicon Valley tech experts who created many of the popular social media apps and platforms featured in the film.
Tech experts like Tristan Harris, former design ethicist at Google, and Justin Rosenstein, former head of engineering at Facebook and former chief product officer at Google are just a few of the film’s narrators who came out to speak. on these major privacy breaches that have been taking place. These individuals have a high level of understanding of these technologies, yet they claim the innocence of their role as developers and criticize what has become of their creations.
“When we were doing the ‘Like’ button, our whole motivation was ‘can we spread positivity and love around the world?'” Rosenstein said. “The idea that fast forwarding to the present day and teenagers getting depressed if they didn’t have enough likes or that it could lead to political polarization was never on our radar.”
Contrary to this, there are many valid reasons to have a positive view of the creation of technology and all that comes with it. Moreover, it has created more bonds between individuals than anyone could have imagined.
The question is, what do these technologies do other than connect us?
In the film, it is pointed out that by connecting us, these technologies divide us, control us, manipulate us, polarize us, distract us and monetize all aspects of life.
“Over time, you get the false impression that everyone agrees with you because everyone in your News Feed looks like you,” says Facebook venture capitalist Roger McNamee.
This demonstrates a significant dilemma the country is currently facing, especially with the recent presidential election of 2020. The mind behind the screen is very aware of what content is going to grab the user’s attention. Therefore, the same or similar content will continue to appear on the device, regardless of its accuracy and truthfulness. This has the power to direct the spread of fake news, which can greatly affect an election.
So many questions that the documentary asks and uses to demonstrate a major threat to democracy. If people are manipulated with the news they see while receiving false information, what good will that do for humanity? If there is nothing to regulate this with certainty, how can we trust in the future? Moreover, how can one trust one’s opinions and ideals which take precedence in all aspects of life?
Along with narration by tech experts, the storyline of a modern family is scripted. Along with the interviews of creators like Rosenstein and Harris, it added a very telling reality for viewers.
“We are the product. Our focus is the product being sold to advertisers,” says Rosenstein.
The toll of technology becomes evident through the son’s story, as viewers get to see the constant pressure battle with his device and his high school life. The son’s attention was hooked on the endless string of notifications from his phone. Viewers get to see deliberate manipulation in a way they may have never seen before: how a device maintains a tab on content that keeps people hooked and attached, so they always come back for more.
Specifically, this attention can turn into an unfortunate turn of events – weakened relationships, division among family members, polarization like no other, loss of identity and self, to name a few. -ones.
At the end of the film, the narrators give hope to the potential for change through activism, action, and awareness of the negative consequences of technology and media. They suggest deleting social media accounts, disabling notifications and checking information found on the internet and other social media platforms intensively.
Technology users can put an end to this serious threat. But there’s also the equally likely possibility that this horrible cycle will continue for years to come.
“Before you share, check the facts. Consider the source. Make the most of Google,” says Renee Diresta, head of research at Stanford’s Internet Observatory and former policy manager at Data for Democracy. that it’s designed to push your emotional buttons, it probably is.”