The first documentary I’ve seen that has come out this year, and what an urgent, exciting, and engaging film this was.
The Social Dilemma sits us down with some of the most influential creators of social media, sites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and many others. As the film rolls along, we get key insight of what it was like making and designing these sites. The many features that we have grown accustomed to. It also includes a dramatization of a one family’s impact with social media.
This is a harrowing and cautionary study about the impact of Social media. How it affects our mental health, politics, relationships, and much more. This isn’t the first time a film has come out that has touched on social media, some earlier examples are films like The Social Network. But there hasn’t been a film thus far, that has truly went below the surface and showed us the science and psychology behind these apps. How it affects us as human beings.
It’s content and the statistics shown are very disturbing. Even if you are an avid user of social media, and you think you have some sense of control on these apps. The reality is, these apps are controlling you, your interests and insecurities.
A potential complaint of this film, would be that it’s subject matter is a bit watered down. I would say otherwise, I think that perspective is a sign of defeat, a sign that acknowledges the problem but sees no other way around it. This is not the case. In the third act these various creators give advice and solutions to tackle these problems.
My only problem with this film is the dramatization. In some cases this method works, but not this one. I found it very distracting and not too investing.
However this is a very interesting and insightful documentary, one that is understandable to virtually everyone in the modern world. Heavily recommended.
Cedric Cinema 