The Social Dilemma : A Look Into How Technology Manipulates Society

This week in class we are currently watching the Social Dilemma, a documentary about the impact social media and technology have on society. Although I had heard of the documentary before, this is my first time watching it. 

This documentary takes a deep dive into the ways social media shapes human behavior, highlighting how deeply technology, especially smartphones, has become implanted into our daily lives. It features interviews with former employees of major tech companies like Google, Pinterest, and Twitter, who reveal the ethical void within the industry. These companies prioritize clicks, engagement, and profits over user well-being and ethical principles, often at a significant cost to society. 

One of the documentary's most compelling elements is its exploration of how social media impacts families, focusing on a fictionalized example of a pre-teen girl obsessed with her phones. At just 11 years old. she struggles to go minutes without it. The film illustrates the addictive nature of lines, comments, and instant gratification, especially for young teens. 

The most chilling confessions come from the tech experts themselves. In the documentary, many admit that the algorithm's they designed to drive engagement now control them, too. Despite knowing the tricks to boost engagement and retention on the app, they find themselves mindlessly scrolling, unable to resist the systems they helped create.  

While The Social Dilemma may feel dramatic at times, its core message is clear: technology and social media manipulates users, fostering addiction, lowering self-esteem, and altering how we communicate and live. For me, this documentary is a wake-up call. I plan to take its lessons seriously and make a conscious effort to disconnect from my phone more often.