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The Social Dilemma

1704 votes

Producing House

This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.

movie

Status: Released

Released Date: 2020-01-26

Runtime: 94 mins

Director: Jeff Orlowski

Writer: Vickie Curtis, Davis Coombe, Jeff Orlowski

Spoken language: English

Genres: Documentary, Drama

Original title: The Social Dilemma

Production Companies: Exposure Labs, Argent Pictures, The Space Program

Production Countries: United States of America

Reviews

A

Alunauwie
The Social Dilemma is a powerful documentary that explores how social media algorithms subtly manipulate user behavior, creating addiction and influencing mental health. Through expert interviews, dramatized simulations, and engaging visuals, it reveals the ethical dilemmas behind profit-driven platforms that often overlook their societal impact. With a balanced and accessible approach, the film encourages viewers to critically reassess their digital habits and understand the hidden forces shaping their online experiences. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)
2025-09-29

c

corrcorr
This documentary thinks it's real cute. You may learn a thing or two, but a lot of the time it feels manipulative and self-righteous. I wish that, instead of portraying the mechanisms of ad-targeting as some kind of sci-fi super villain, they would have shown what truly goes on in the offices of google, facebook, and the like. The evils of manipulating human attention do not need to be sensationalized to look like something out of Tron or Blade Runner. Why not film the actual computer screens that are spitting back data about users of these platforms? Perhaps internet giants would not let cameras behind the scenes. Anyhow, this film has a noble goal but comes across as more dime-a-dozen infotainment that Netflix has pumped out many times before. Maybe if it did not treat its viewers as though they were brain dead I would have enjoyed it more. Show it to your tik tok friends who could lose a staring contest with a squirrel, as that is likely who this documentary is targeted for.
2021-01-07

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