Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, but what are the consequences of our dependence on the internet and social media? A new film, titled The Social Dilemma, aims to answer this question by interviewing former tech executives and developers who helped build the online world and now think it is causing serious harm.
The hidden agenda of the tech industry
The film, directed by Jeff Orlowski, exposes the dark side of the tech industry and how it manipulates our attention, behavior, and emotions for profit. The film reveals how the tech giants, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, use sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence to create personalized feeds, recommendations, and notifications that keep us hooked and addicted to their platforms.
The film also shows how these platforms influence our perception of reality, our social interactions, and our political views. The film argues that the tech industry is creating a “climate change-scale problem” for our society and culture, as it fuels polarization, misinformation, and extremism.
The film features interviews with several former tech insiders, such as Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist who became a whistleblower and activist; Tim Kendall, a former Facebook executive who later became the president of Pinterest; and Guillaume Chaslot, a former YouTube engineer who exposed how the platform’s recommendation system promotes radicalization.
These insiders share their insights and regrets about the tools they created and the impact they have on millions of people around the world. They also warn about the dangers of letting the tech industry continue to operate without regulation or accountability.
The need for awareness and action
The film is not only a critique of the tech industry, but also a call for awareness and action from the users, the policymakers, and the society at large. The film urges us to rethink our relationship with technology and to demand more transparency and control over how it affects our lives.
The film also suggests some possible solutions, such as digital detox, ethical design, data privacy, and civic engagement. The film encourages us to use technology as a tool, not as a master, and to reclaim our agency and autonomy in the digital age.
The film is a timely and eye-opening documentary that challenges us to confront the social dilemma we face and to take action before it is too late.
The reception and impact of the film
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020 and was acquired by Netflix for global distribution. The film has received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its relevance, its storytelling, and its message.
The film has also sparked a lot of discussion and debate on social media and in the media, as it raises important questions and issues about the role and responsibility of the tech industry and the users in the current situation.
The film has also inspired some initiatives and movements that aim to address the social dilemma and to promote a more ethical and humane use of technology. For example, the Center for Humane Technology, co-founded by Tristan Harris, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the alignment of technology with humanity’s best interests. The Social Dilemma website also offers some resources and tips for users who want to change their habits and behaviors online.
The film is a powerful and provocative documentary that exposes the hidden costs and risks of the internet and social media. The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand how technology is shaping our society and culture and what we can do about it.
