A Reflection of the Social Dilemma by Jeff Orlowski

Introduction

The film by Jeff Orlowski, entitled The Social Dilemma, is gradually, but confidently becoming an exciting and inspirational picture that is dedicated to describing the impact of the world of social networks on society and individuals. The potential danger that the smooth-running processes behind social networks may cause and all the sophisticated machinations that take place behind the scenes are told by the former technology industry workers who are included in the film. This paper will outline significant scenes from the movie, past experiences with social media manipulation, and ways of enhancing your digital well-being.

Resonating Moments

It was revealing when Tristan Harris referred to such platforms as “behavioral modification empires,” and this statement should shed light on how these platforms function for the benefit of their owners. I think one of the most memorable clips might be when ex-Facebook employee Tim Kendall, who worked for Facebook for three years as the social media site’s news feed and monocle planner, described social media as “the new tobacco,” thus suggesting that social media sites are designed to be addictive.

A Personal Experience of Social Media Distortion

I believed the movie portrayed how fake social media is as far as shaping the way we as humans perceive ourselves, our interactions, and our existence. Despite the numerous advantages of social media, I have realized that it has warped reality by giving only the best snapshot of everybody’s life. This often leads to comparisons and sometimes such vices as thoughts of inferiority perpetuated in our own circles. Furthermore, social network analysis leads to polarizing opinions and resulting isolation, where the displayed results and recommended content are based on predetermined user choices, hence creating an echo chamber.

Physical and Mental Health of Social Media Users

This movie gives an understanding that the present human willpower is insufficient to stop the form of AI currently running social media websites. To develop healthier relationships with technology, we can take several steps, such as a digital detox, practicing mindful usage, curating content, and updating privacy settings. First, a digital detox is important to free your mind from such an addiction by leaving social media once in a while. Secondly, mindful usage includes scheduling some hours of the day when you will engage in social media and other hours of the day when you will not. For instance, do not use social media during meals or before going to sleep. Thirdly, manage curated content. For example, follow the accounts that have good and positive content and unfollow the accounts that affect us negatively. Lastly, updating your privacy settings by reducing data sharing and cutting out targeted ads minimizes manipulation.

Living Without My Phone For A Day

I think I can manage myself without my phone for a whole day, though it will not be easy. Notifications, such as urgent work emails or a family emergency, can make me look at my phone. This underlines the importance of searching for work-life balance while using information technologies.

Opinion on the Use of Social Media

The primary purpose that makes me use social media is communication with friends and relatives, tracking the news, and passing the time. However, these needs can be met in other ways and with different mediums, such as direct messaging, news-site options, and hobbies.

Selecting a single social media application

Among the different social networking sites, I would prefer using Facebook if I were to limit myself to just one. I choose Facebook, despite all of the concerns with it, because it is the platform that I have the most family and friends on. It will enable me to receive updates from my relatives and friends, as well as the groups I join and other activities people in my region are participating in, sell items to people, or even buy from them.

Changing Privacy Settings Post-Film

Thus, due to the movie, I have discovered some of the drawbacks of what might occur if a person is not attentive regarding the content shared on the web, and consequently, I plan to return to my profiles and tighten up the confidentiality settings. Even more specifically, I will refrain from third-party application integration and disable personal advertising tracking since they deceive and jeopardize the security of the users.

Conclusion

The primary goal of the Social Dilemma is to describe the work of the platforms and the consequences of using social networks. If people reflect on their interactions with technology and use concepts of proper use of technology, they can avoid these negative effects and develop a positive relationship with technology. This film should therefore be a wakeup call as well as a refresher for all of us to be much more vigilant and protective of our cyberspace.

References

Albulayhi, M. S., & Khediri, S. E. (2022). A comprehensive study on privacy and security on social media.Links to an external site. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 16(01), 4–21.

Netflix. (2020). The Social Dilemma . Retrieved July 16, 2024, from https://www.netflix.com/us/title/81254224?s=i&trkid=258593161&vlang=en&clip=81569073.