Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma is making people terrified of social media.
The new film from Jeff Orlowski, exploring the dangers of social networking through interviews with tech experts, has sparked an uproar on Twitter.
“Watched The Social Dilemma last night,” one user on Twitter began. “Made me want to punt my phone out the window! Conclusion I reached. 1 If billionaires were banned we wouldn’t be in this situation. 2social Media is actually the biggest threat. Ironically I’m on here saying it. Less SM for me!”
Watched the Social Dilemma last night. Made me want to punt my phone out the window! Conclusion I reached. 1 If billionaires were banned we wouldn’t be in this situation. 2social Media is actually the biggest threat. Ironically I’m on here saying it 😐 Less SM for me!
— VillanelleApparently (@lidlbigthings) September 10, 2020
Discussing the messages of the film, former Twitter executive Jeff Seibert said: “What I want people to know is that every single action you take [online] is carefully monitored and recorded.
“Exactly what image you stop and look at, for how long you look at it.”
Another person said: “The social dilemma on Netflix is haunting. It doesn’t shy away from the truth. ‘You are the product’ is too simplistic, ‘It’s the gradual change in your behaviour and perception that is the product.’ @netflix Cancelling my Netflix subscription right now too. #TheSocialDilemma”
The social dilemma on Netflix is haunting. It doesn't shy away from the truth.
"You are the product" is too simplistic, "It's the gradual change in your behaviour and perception that is the product."@netflix
Canceling my Netflix subscription right now too. #TheSocialDilemma— Shivam (@shivamkimothi) September 10, 2020
Many noted the irony of praising the film on social media, while also promising to step away from networking platforms as a result.
“Its ironic that I am going to be urging the citizens of the internet to go watch The Social Dilemma on the internet,” one wrote. “But this could well be a watershed moment in Big Tech. There are innumerable quotes from really talented folks but this stuck.”
The quote attached read: “There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.”
Its ironic that I am going to be urging the citizens of the internet to go watch "The Social Dilemma" on the internet. But this could well be a watershed moment in Big Tech. #TheSocialDilemma There are innumerable quotes from really talented folks but this stuck – pic.twitter.com/aalyhE0w6h
— Akshay Gupta (@akshyg1008) September 9, 2020
My favourite Black Mirror episode: The social dilemma
— Devansh (@Devansh78612868) September 9, 2020
The Social Dilemma is streaming on Netflix now.