It was impossible for me to resist writing on my blog about the documentary “The Social Dilemma”. It has been a long time coming. Perhaps not for this particular movie, but certainly one that raises awareness of primetime television.
The last significant breakthrough in my self-growth, which also led to the emergence of “Free Growth,” was the revelation of the attention economy and the reality of us being a product.
For someone who talks about digital wellness with so many people, watching it critically was eye-opening for me.
About the film and the social dilemma
First and foremost, I think the film’s makers can be forgiven for using tendentious language, images, and cinematic effects. The film’s premise is very true and involves a significant awakening of humanity. I have learned to see beyond these documentary tendencies.
This film features fascinating and diverse characters. No one is better qualified to discuss ethical issues related to app design, digital products and social media than those who have contributed to their development. People who, at some point, saw what began as good intentions (in some cases) completely changed course when economical drivers overcame values.
The movie is led by Tristan Harris, an entrepreneur in the field of humane tech. I personally knew him before and greatly appreciate his sincere devotion to the matter. He graciously represents the rational voice of the counter movement.
With the help of various testimonies and illustrations that in most cases are relatively easy to digest (and most likely also provides a better understanding of the phenomenon for younger viewers), the film presents the breadth of the issue.
And what is the issue, for example?
Polarization in politics and society
A distorted and one-dimensional view of social reality deepens the polarization between Democrats and Republicans, religious and secular, Jews and Arabs, etc. Each camp is deeply engrossed in its own field of opinions. On the other hand, it is almost never exposed to the pluralism of opinions needed for a broad and compassionate worldview.
Social-psychological phenomena
An incessant comparison of our reality with the alter-reality of the rest of the world on social media, which over time can evoke feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, especially in teenagers.
We live in an era of disinformation and misinformation
Algorithms spread disinformation and misinformation for the purpose of promoting engagement and keeping us connected to digital platforms. Regimes and organizations that exploit this aspect of social media have committed many atrocities.
Addiction
At the base of the attention economy we have an economic model that uses our attention as a commodity. It creates a world where the brilliant minds are working on developing new and effective techniques to take advantage of our cognitive and psychological weaknesses. This way we are kept hooked to our apps and devices. Their success is undeniable. Often we feel like marionettes on a string, controlled at least partially by forces hidden from view (how can we explain our compulsive interaction with screens?).
While the movie is eclectic on the one hand, he is also able to convey this elusive whole that is difficult to comprehend.
Want to learn more about it? Read this article about screen addiction.
Is this movie going to change our reality?
There is no doubt that activist work of this kind is worthwhile. The social dilemma demands acknowledgement. However, I personally don’t hold the illusion that humanity will sober up in a reasonable time or be influenced deeply enough by a Netflix movie.
As a society, we must keep raising awareness and strive for a better technological world for our children and ourselves.
You should see it if you haven’t already.
And after that? Let’s practice.
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