After ‘The Great Hack’, Netflix has come up with another thought-provoking documentary that pushes us to think about our purpose of being on social media platforms.
In my tweets, I have written ‘The social network’ instead of ‘the great hack’. Kindly consider ‘the social network’ as ‘the great hack’.
Here are the details of the documentary:
If I allow access beyond general information then I make sure to revoke it once my task is done or I keep it at 'only when I am using' mode.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
That was kind of effect on me after getting the idea about data points through the 'The Social Network'.
This year #Netflix released another thought provoking documentary 'The Social Dilemma'.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
One can say it is the sequel of 'The Social Network' because it took the discussion of unathorised use of data to the next level.
It talks about the use of algorithms to influence users.
It shows how algorithms are used to generate money and to create political polarisation.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
It shows how the addiction of users are used to spread the fake news and to form the strong opinion on an issue or a product.
It also shows the effect of filters and fake world created by people on younger generation. Because of this facade on social media, children or teens start hating themselves and give birth to a lot mental problems.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
Documentary puts light on the positive as well that's why…
There is 'Dilemma' in the title.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
It raise questions on the agendas of social media platforms and the political parties who use bot armies to create distress in the society. On the other hand, it also highlights how we pay bills and get cabs on our doors with just a click.
Documentary warn us about the bad side of social media and if it continues the way it is going on then it may lead us to existential crisis.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
Ultimately, it is totally upon us, how we want to use it and which side we want to promote.
We are addicted to our phone and apps that is the fact and I believe everyone has a story behind that addiction.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
My story is that I started spending more time on my phone with an intent to do something productive & to avoid people who are searching for gossip in my difficulties.
After watching this docmentary, my catiousness on social media has increased.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
Now, I consume content only for the sake of entertainment. I pledge to never make an oponion (specially political) on the basis of posts on social media. Moreover, I try to promote the positive side.
If we don't use social media responsibly then we will be a puppets of algorithms and will kill each other under some fake agenda.#TheSocialDilemma
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) October 10, 2020
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I thoroughly loved this documentary. It was such an eye-opener. I completely agree with your assessment of it.
It is kind of scary with political agendas being assigned to bot army and we have seen election results or riots happening on the basis of posts on social media.
I have not seen it yet. But, as a consumer I agree with your review points. The users need to be aware of their data security and be intelligent enough to differentiate truth from fake.
The Social Dilemma was really an eye opener for the masses who use social media extensively… Specially teenagers and young adults need to you social media with a lot of caution to avoid falling prey to its negative aspects…
Infact we should promote its positive side just Baba ka Dhaba happened recently.
I am watching this now and I truly believe never get influenced with any thing on social media. This documentary should be watched by everyone to understand the pro and cons of social media.
Yes, everyonr should watch it.
I loved the documentary too. I watched it only recently. I agreed absolutely. Social media does tend to pollute the mind and make automatons out of us if used without adequate caution.
Exactly.
I think sometimes we forget that as much as the algorithm uses our keystrokes to show us things we engage with, we can make that algorithm work for us too. We also forget that it is ultimately up to us how we react to things.
Exactly. It is totally upon us but I recently read and experienced that negativity spread faster than positive stuff.
I have watched this lightning bolt documentary a few weeks ago only: undoubtedly it raised my level of alertness while using social media or using any app.
Yeah the documentary makes you think quite a bit especially because it’s from the point of view of those who have worked in the industry.
Exactly
Having worked in the digital marketing space for half a decade, I actully understand all the science nehind. I still cant help but feel addicted. Such is human nature. Loved this documentary and reading your thoughts
Thank you for your insight.
I’m yet to watch the documentary but I too think that social media has now become a rat race for bloggers or let’s say influencers who cant get over the algorithms while others use it as a medium to rise help (baba ka dhaba) and some to ignite negativity (tanishq add being banned bcoz of pressure from social media)
It’s so great that Netflix made this.. as a software engineer, it troubles me to see the ignorance of people about their online security. once had a hard time explaining someone that sharing their Gmail address is safer than. Sharing their child’s picture on FB.
Exactly.
I totally second your thoughts on this documentary. I really liked watching this one.
Everyone’s recommending that I watch The Social Dilemma. Thanks to your Tweet views I got the right picture in just a little time 🙂
Ah, now I can relate this to.my fb addict post. I loved Jesse and Justin in the social network but the movie was definitely an eye opener for me.
Your post got me thinking. I got to watch this series ; as often this dark side of social media reallybothers & scares me.
Political polarization is the only thing which worries me the most! In the hindsight, I still feel personally my individual preferences might not be effected by social media but it does regulate the public opinion and its dangerous!
There is no doubt about that it is dangerous. Even in connected (another series on netflix) talked about the Twitter bot army of Russia.
Have heard so much about this one. I’m yet to watch it & going by how crisply you’ve put out the revelations it brings forth about algos being used to manipulate people & the agenda just makes me want to watch it ASAP, Paresh.
Interesting post, Paresh! I liked the Tweetview format style. I haven’t watched the documentary yet, but have heard so many good reviews, including yours.
Your post was such an eye opener for all those who have an active social media presence. Loved it.
I have heard of, but not had a chance to watch this show. your post is a good summary. i find social media has become quite exhausting and it is essential to stick to known sources and folks as much as possible. I detest the manipulation in the algorithms – it is dishonest and takes away from the human aspect of interactions and communication on social platforms.
Yeah but they still influential.
I am yet to watch this documentary. But it seems like such an eye-opener. Granting access can seem so minor but it can lead to many repercussions. I think I will be more careful from now on too. Thank you for sharing.
Yes now a days documentaries are really good. This one made me feel like lab rats. We are lab rats. Chilling.
Some other are ‘Connected’ and ‘Unwell’ and unsolved mysteries.
I am yet to see The Social Dilemma but am really like this style of review.
Thank you.
I am yet to watch the doc. Heard a lot about it!
Will definitely catch it now after this review and your views on it.
By the way i loved the innovative way of a post via tweets!! 😄
Though I was fairly aware of all these things in a milder way, I found it totally creepy!! How social media has changed…and is changing us… ugh… 🙁
No matter how creepy it is, it is a reality and we have to act responsibly.
This documentary shook me to the core!
I haven’t yet watched it, hoping to do soon. We need to keep a strong track of the usage of search engines and apps. A unique way of presenting a subject
Finally a documentary that uncovers the ugly face of social media. I don’t watch netflix or any series for that matter but after reading your thoughts i am definitely putting it on my list
I recently saw this Netflix documentary and boy I was blown by the algorithms and the cryptic means to which we are subjected on a daily basis by these social media sites.