The Social Dilemma

 

 

Often, we hear that social media is a way to connect with others or that it is incredibly harmful. After watching The Social Dilemma, I have learned that it can be both.

Social media first began with e-mail and chat programs in the early 1970s. It then took on a life of its own as technology continued to develop. Social media sites became more popular in the early twentieth century, with platforms like MySpace followed by Facebook and YouTube. These platforms quickly became incredibly influential, as they were where information was shared and people interacted. The speed at which these apps consumed users started to become worrisome, and the movie, The Social Dilemma, shared thoughts like social media relies on the user’s attention and that a single group of men had the ability to decide what influences people. When researching how much time we really spend on social media, Statista wrote that people spend an average of 2 hours and 35 minutes on social media daily, which adds up to about 17 hours a week and 65 hours a month. Social media is also known to be addictive, has an algorithm biased to false information and tracks and analyzes users.

Though there is a negative side to social media, The Social Dilemma says that social media can be used for good or bad, and it is simply a choice users and administrators of social platforms make to be one or the other. Social media can be social and focused on connections. It can be a way for families or friends who live far from one another to connect online. Social media has had some user privacy concerns; however, it can also be used to strengthen relationships and connect with people who might never have met. The Social Dilemma informs watchers how social media works and what happens behind the screen. The movie ends with the final thought that social media is a choice.

Social media is a tool that can be used for positive or negative outcomes. It can be incredibly influential, consuming and is known to track users. However, it can also be used to strengthen relationships and connect with people you might have never met before. The Social Dilemma informs watchers how social media works and what happens behind the screen. The movie ends with the final thought that social media is a choice.