David Farnor | On 29, Aug 2020

Netflix is exploring The Social Dilemma in a new documentary.

As digital platforms increasingly become a lifeline to stay connected, filmmakers Jeff Orlowski (Chasing Ice, Chasing Coral) and Larissa Rhodes (Chasing Coral) asks what the consequences of our growing dependence on social media are.

The world has long recognised the positive applications of social media, from its role in empowering protesters to speak out against oppression during the Arab Spring uprisings almost a decade ago, to serving an instrumental role in fighting for equity and justice today. And in 2020, during an astonishing global pandemic, social media has become a lifeline to stay in touch with loved ones, as well as proving to be an asset for mobilising civil rights protests.

The collective lack of understanding about how these platforms actually operate has led to hidden consequences for society. Through a combination of documentary investigation and narrative drama, the film tackles the connection between the web and viral conspiracy theories, teenage mental health issues, rampant misinformation and political polarisation.

The film features interviews with high-profile tech whistleblowers and innovation leaders including the co-inventor of the Facebook “Like” button, the former President of Pinterest and the former Director of Monetisation at Facebook.

You can find out what they have to say on 9th September, when The Social Dilemma is released on Netflix worldwide, following its premiere at Sundance earlier this year. Here’s the trailer:

 

The Social Dilemma is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.

 

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