Director
Jeff Orlowski
(Chasing Ice)

If you’re avoiding adding The Social Dilemma to your watch list on Netflix because you’re not interested in being advised to delete your favourite social media apps, then your preconceptions of what this documentary’s purpose is are completely wrong.

If you’re avoiding viewing The Social Dilemma because you prefer to remain oblivious and continue to yield to the damaging impact that social media can and does have to our mental health, then you’re still missing its point.

If you’re procrastinating watching The Social Dilemma because you’re anxious it may alter your perception and use of many apps on your smart phone, then allow me to elaborate on why this invaluably informative documentary is nothing to be afraid of and ought to be the next film you select.

Many of this film’s subjects are former employees, managers and co-founders at various social media and tech outlets, led by Tristan Harris (pictured below), a Google Design Ethicist who spent three years developing a framework for how technology should ethically steer the thoughts and actions of billions of social media users from screens. Their very clear purpose is to simply share their experience and knowledge of the incredibly advanced, deliberate and targeted processes in force behind the scenes of controlling what appears upon our screens.

Like me, you may be equally amused and curious by how certain advertisements appear on your feed. You might also wonder why you are shown a particular friend or follower’s posts or photos much more than another you never really see. These are some of the more basic and personalised questions that The Social Dilemma answers. Once you’re equipped with this awareness and understand these giant tech businesses rely on what we feed to them, their scope to influence, persuade and deepen divisions at a much broader social and political level becomes apparent. But as I mentioned before, this isn’t something to be afraid of. Rather, be informed and be alert, not alarmed. It is actually enlightening to be the recipient of such insider info in a non-sensational manner and to be given positive assurance of the things that are well within the control of our fingertips.

I must also mention that the writers and subjects of this documentary are well aware of the perceived doom and gloom in what they impart to us and make a conscious effort to emphasise the initial and ongoing positive intentions and impacts social media connections have in society and our lives. I think it fitting to finish on that positive note.

4 stars

Viewer Discretion
M (Mature themes)

Trailer
The Social Dilemma

The Social Dilemma is now available to stream via Netflix.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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