Everyone Should Watch "The Social Dilemma"

 

by John Zenoni

"The Social Dilemma" is a documentary that I think everyone should watch. It's about the negatives of using social media. I think everyone can agree that there should be a balance in our lives when it comes to using social media and/or cell phones. But some of the statistics and inside details on this show are alarming.

The show focuses on technical experts from all various big-name companies such as Google, Instagram and others who talk about the dangerous human impact of social networking. What these former design architects, programmers and executives disclose from the company perspective about the purpose and use of social media is scary. I actually captured many quotes (most are paraphrased) from this show and am listing them below so you can get an idea about the things we as humans need to think about when we're using our favorite application.

“We are now the products, not the customers because the AI (artificial intelligence) needs to have us buy and use things.”

“Cell phones are a digital pacifier for ourselves.”

“...false information makes more money for the technology engines than the truth...”

“...people have no idea what is true and now it is a matter of life and death as far as COVID due to fake news.”

“...it is more about advertising than social interaction...”

“...AI can easily manipulate the truth now with social media.”

“A study showed false information on Twitter was passed 6 times faster than the truth.”

“We are a nation who no longer talks to each other.”

“AI cannot solve the problem of fake news or conspiracy.”

“It is about the technology being able to bring out the worst in people that is the problem.”

“...as this all goes on, it will result in civil war and/or the downfall of society...”

“...it is a simultaneous utopia and dystopia.”

“We need regulation regarding things like data privacy, making sure users are safe and are more important than profits of huge companies.”

“These tech people don’t even let their kids or teenagers have social media.”

“...wants some people to get off of social media so that there are people out there who are not influenced or manipulated by social media.”

This is an important show that needs to be watched. It's streaming on Netflix now.