Netflix: The Social Dilemma PSA

[texazhorn]

If you haven't watched it, please do yourself a favor and take the time. The movie has me deeply concerned and I'm not a huge social media user. The point it made which concerned me around social media, if its free then you and your attention are the product. More disconcerting is the idea of the AI behind the scenes watching what interests you, and giving you more and more of it, reinforcing those beliefs, whatever they are.

Some of the stats they sight regarding suicide and self harm among children.....all in the name of profit for big tech?!?

Please watch, I know some of the material is dramatized but the programing and algorithms behind this tech is only getting better and more powerful.

 

[sendero95]

Very eye-opening and interesting show. I do believe the shock value at certain points was higher than it had to be but it doesn’t take away from the important premise.

 

[Rusty Screwdriver]

Yep, watched it with the wife and kid the other day. Reinforced why he is not allowed to have a social media account. Also further reinforced my thoughts about canceling my FB account.

 

[Guy Smiley]

You saw the results of that at the capital last week. This is how we can have people in this country living in their own, altered form of reality. I'm not immune from it, nor is anyone else. Truth and agreed upon facts have gone by the wayside. It's scary as hell.

 

[spudnik187]

I got off FB after the 2016 elections. I’ve been imploring my wife and kids to do the same ever since. Unfortunately, the bad far outweighs the good.

 

[El Mahico]

Biggest concern to me is the a la cart information that's fed to us based on our choices of media. There is no truth anymore. Only versions of the truth. You get to see\hear what you want to. Two sane, intelligent people could have two completely different options on a topic based on what news source they plug into. Be it fox or CNN or Facebook groups or Twitter follows. You can easily see how another Hitler scenario could play out in the future based on millions being brainwashed by bad information

To me it's the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide and countries like China employ hundreds of thousands to manipulate the information.

 

[coolhandfish]

The worst part were these Social Media platforms deliberately sending you down rabbit trails of knowingly false information just so you would click and watch an ad for a product so they could make a penny per ad. That is scary. Advertising should not be the downfall of civilized society. Plus, it is very telling when the developers / creators of these platforms won't let their own children on them until they are out of high school and their brains and discernable learning / thinking skills have fully developed.

 

[ganngus]

I deleted my Facebook account when people no longer needed a “.edu” email account to join.

 

[texazhorn]

One of the techies in the movie had the idea of taxing the data they collect, as a way to limit at least partially the vast amounts they collect and in turn use to manipulate the individual which I thought wasn't a bad idea.

I don't see our leaders , as in government leaders, really addressing this aspect of big tech. They are all seemingly caught up in the censorship aspect, which is only part of the tech problem we are facing.

I read something, and I cant recall where, and a futurist talked about how the processing capacity is going to outstrip our humanity and wisdom. If we cant correct the balance we were doomed. Our downfall wont be like the mechanical overlords in Terminator, they will be algorithms pushing civilization to extremes and we will tear it down ourselves.

 

[Cdun]

Truth and agreed upon facts have gone by the wayside. It's scary as hell.

The worst part were these Social Media platforms deliberately sending you down rabbit trails of knowingly false information just so you would click and watch an ad for a product so they could make a penny per ad. That is scary. Advertising should not be the downfall of civilized society. Plus, it is very telling when the developers / creators of these platforms won't let their own children on them until they are out of high school and their brains and discernable learning / thinking skills have fully developed.

That's why social media companies like Youtube and Twitter started adding facts at the bottom of videos about topics they know there is false info about online.

 

[Texas Diesel]

I watched it a while back and though I feel I’m in a good place, I deleted my FB app, even though I didn’t delete my account. I get maybe 10 emails a week that say that someone posted something I might be interested in and I need to check it out. Very much like what the show projected.

I say that I’m in a good place because I’m the one that when someone posts something fairly inflammatory, I fact check to see what’s legit or not. I don’t blindly go with whatever piece of truth I’m being sent.

 

[TheAssquatch]

I get all my news from porn sites.

 

[Lone Starr]

Some of the stats they sight regarding suicide and self harm among children.....all in the name of profit for big tech?!?

This is where parents should be doing something. It's not technology's fault that parents are shitty and let electronic devices babysit their kids.

 

[Tommy.thompson]

If you haven't watched it, please do yourself a favor and take the time. The movie has me deeply concerned and I'm not a huge social media user. The point it made which concerned me around social media, if its free then you and your attention are the product. More disconcerting is the idea of the AI behind the scenes watching what interests you, and giving you more and more of it, reinforcing those beliefs, whatever they are.

Some of the stats they sight regarding suicide and self harm among children.....all in the name of profit for big tech?!?

Please watch, I know some of the material is dramatized but the programing and algorithms behind this tech is only getting better and more powerful.

The story at the beginning is scary.

 

[Lone Starr]

Biggest concern to me is the a la cart information that's fed to us based on our choices of media. There is no truth anymore. Only versions of the truth. You get to see\hear what you want to. Two sane, intelligent people could have two completely different options on a topic based on what news source they plug into. Be it fox or CNN or Facebook groups or Twitter follows. You can easily see how another Hitler scenario could play out in the future based on millions being brainwashed by bad information

To me it's the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide and countries like China employ hundreds of thousands to manipulate the information.

I read both CNN and Fox, laugh at the extremists on both sides, and then read BBC. I miss Al Jazeera. They had pretty good objective news reporting but that is also probably why they failed in the US. Everyone wants affirmation of their beliefs and they'd rather watch an extremist version of their beliefs on the news rather than a more moderate source that slightly challenges their beliefs.

People don't like their beliefs to be challenged which is odd in my opinion. I love it when people challenge my beliefs because that's how I learn new things and make myself better.

 

[texazhorn]

I read both CNN and Fox, laugh at the extremists on both sides, and then read BBC. I miss Al Jazeera. They pretty good objective news reporting. Probably why they failed in the US. Everyone wants affirmation of their beliefs and they'd rather watch an extremist version of their beliefs on the news rather than a more moderate source that slightly challenges their beliefs.

People don't like their beliefs to be challenged which is odd in my opinion. I love it when people challenge my beliefs because that's how I learn new things and make myself better.

I think that's great, and were this the 1920's instead of 2020 I would feel better. The problem is society in general is overwhelmed with data. I was tempted to say stupid here but people aren't less bright today than 100 years ago, but the proliferation of information and entertainment allows them to be subdued and happy with the comfortable world they live in, buying more crap than they need or really want.

In this current societal condition the tools of our demise are at hand, parents do ignore their kids and let them idle away their intellect all in the name of calm...today. How do you fix a problem most of society isnt aware of or really that concerned about. How do you communicate it when its about the most used platforms of communication? Its fixable, and my concern is most certainly in part due to a recency bias, but this will take a concerted effort which is something we have shown very little ability to muster.

 

[cdp183]

I read both CNN and Fox, laugh at the extremists on both sides, and then read BBC. I miss Al Jazeera. They pretty good objective news reporting. Probably why they failed in the US. Everyone wants affirmation of their beliefs and they'd rather watch an extremist version of their beliefs on the news rather than a more moderate source that slightly challenges their beliefs.

People don't like their beliefs to be challenged which is odd in my opinion. I love it when people challenge my beliefs because that's how I learn new things and make myself better.

This doc is queued up for next family movie night. I listened to a podcast with one of the producers. The motive to maximize user time on platform has lead to the equivalent of the cigarette industry.

I also wanted to comment on this point around willingness to let beliefs be challenged and sometimes choosing to change them as thinking evolves. This is sorely needed in our country. Perhaps more than even, we have left our critical thinking skills behind to join our “tribe”. The problem is the “tribe “ most affiliated with is a political party led by a self-interested conman.

 

[Lone Starr]

Perhaps more than even, we have left our critical thinking skills behind to join our “tribe”. The problem is the “tribe “ most affiliated with is a political party led by a self-interested conman.

100%. There are still times that I fall into it as well and have to take a step back and "reset" myself.

 

[El Mahico]

I read both CNN and Fox, laugh at the extremists on both sides, and then read BBC. I miss Al Jazeera. They had pretty good objective news reporting but that is also probably why they failed in the US. Everyone wants affirmation of their beliefs and they'd rather watch an extremist version of their beliefs on the news rather than a more moderate source that slightly challenges their beliefs.

People don't like their beliefs to be challenged which is odd in my opinion. I love it when people challenge my beliefs because that's how I learn new things and make myself better.

Spot on. We should all be looking for truth no matter how it makes us feel.

 

[CTHorn]

I deleted my Facebook account when people no longer needed a “.edu” email account to join.

So you liked it back when it was basically a “hot or not?” female rating page. Interesting

 

[BMTHORN]

We made our kids watch it with us yesterday. They are 19 and 17. Had a family discussion for about an hour afterward. They are not abusers, but they need to dial it back a little. My son has deleted Twitter (makes him anxious how toxic it is) He was never on FB and only dabbles a little on IG. He spends way to much time on TikTok and SC. Daughter is IG and SC. I feel as if they got what our concerns are and are intelligent enough to watch their usage. They agreed to put a timer on the Social Media use on their phones of 90 minutes a day. I still think that's a bit much, but it's a start.

Unfortunately, THIS place is where I spend too much time. I don't really do other social media. My wife is deleting Twitter and IG. 7She will have to ween off of FB.

 

[PhillipDeezNuts]

It’s a great documentary and realizes how the ideas that grew from things like Facebook in regards to Social dilemmas have blossomed into this paradox that is truly a Social Network. What I find completely fascinating is how most humans can be easily influenced by nonsense and propaganda, even when confronted with truths and data that are contrary. Really kind of seeing how easy it was back in the day for someone like Hitler and the Nazi party to come in and brainwash millions who felt they had no identity anymore and were easy pickings for making them felt like they belonged to something important. Difference is we have two majority groups, unlike Germany which had the whole country buy into a single political ideolog.

 

[PhillipDeezNuts]

So you liked it back when it was basically a “hot or not?” female rating page. Interesting

Got to admit, was less harmful back then. Unless you were a fat, ugly bitch.

 

[McTexas]

I’ve had a chance to see into the belly of beast and everyone should take warnings about big tech very seriously. Statements like “it is a threat to our democracy, our way of life,” etc. are not an exaggeration. If our government ever turned from being relatively benign to malevolent, the police state that could ensue would make Stalin blush and Orwell cringe at his optimism.

 

[welfarr]

If you haven't watched it, please do yourself a favor and take the time. The movie has me deeply concerned and I'm not a huge social media user. The point it made which concerned me around social media, if its free then you and your attention are the product. More disconcerting is the idea of the AI behind the scenes watching what interests you, and giving you more and more of it, reinforcing those beliefs, whatever they are.

Some of the stats they sight regarding suicide and self harm among children.....all in the name of profit for big tech?!?

Please watch, I know some of the material is dramatized but the programing and algorithms behind this tech is only getting better and more powerful.

Very informative. Gives one a different lens through which to view the recent national events. The power of personal data and information (disinformation) cannot be understated. It can make otherwise intelligent people do (think) really stupid things! And its the wild west with social mdia. They are making their own rules.

 

[houstonwolves]

My pet peeve are the "Facebook wouldn't allow me to post this picture of an American flag/eagle/military person." Like if you disagree.

I think this is a method used by Campbridge Analytica to identify potential extreme voter- for one side or the other. Occupy Democrats is a worthless as the Trump stuff.

 

[Guy Smiley]

I read both CNN and Fox, laugh at the extremists on both sides, and then read BBC. I miss Al Jazeera. They had pretty good objective news reporting but that is also probably why they failed in the US. Everyone wants affirmation of their beliefs and they'd rather watch an extremist version of their beliefs on the news rather than a more moderate source that slightly challenges their beliefs.

People don't like their beliefs to be challenged which is odd in my opinion. I love it when people challenge my beliefs because that's how I learn new things and make myself better.

One thing the documentary inspired me to do is to triangulate news "facts" between CNN, Fox, CNBC, BBC, etc. to hone in on actual reality. It's been somewhat eye opening. Some things I believed to be true simply aren't, or more likely, they are only partial truths that get spun in whatever direction.

 

[Jester East Alumni President]

I made my (Nam) wife watch it because it was such an eye opener for me. Neither of us use social media hardly at all but with two young daughters, it’s important to know what you may be allowing them to get into one day.

 

[tball88]

never had Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and don’t feel like I’m missing out

 

[Marsellus]

Echo chamber. People only see news that reinforces their point of view. That, combined with gerrymandering of congressional districts and polarized news outlets has resulted in a divided republic.

 

[Texas Chili Peppers]

Only thing Charlie Strong got right - Social media is the downfall of society. My wife and kids are sick of me saying that, but it has altered our world for the worse in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

 

[Hornius Emeritus]

You saw the results of that at the capital last week. This is how we can have people in this country living in their own, altered form of reality. I'm not immune from it, nor is anyone else. Truth and agreed upon facts have gone by the wayside. It's scary as hell.

Just wanted to point out that, even if you don't have a Facebook account, you can still read Traces of Texas ---- and you should.

Traces of Texas - Posts

 

[Russhorn]

If you haven't watched it, please do yourself a favor and take the time. The movie has me deeply concerned and I'm not a huge social media user. The point it made which concerned me around social media, if its free then you and your attention are the product. More disconcerting is the idea of the AI behind the scenes watching what interests you, and giving you more and more of it, reinforcing those beliefs, whatever they are.

Some of the stats they sight regarding suicide and self harm among children.....all in the name of profit for big tech?!?

Please watch, I know some of the material is dramatized but the programing and algorithms behind this tech is only getting better and more powerful.

Yeah. It’s ****ing terrifying and Jan 6th is just the beginning. The sheep are stupid.

 

[Lone Starr]

One thing the documentary inspired me to do is to triangulate news "facts" between CNN, Fox, CNBC, BBC, etc. to hone in on actual reality. It's been somewhat eye opening. Some things I believed to be true simply aren't, or more likely, they are only partial truths that get spun in whatever direction.

Yep. I do the same thing. It's really crazy how they present things on the different outlets.

 

[65HornInTacoma]

Biggest concern to me is the a la cart information that's fed to us based on our choices of media. There is no truth anymore. Only versions of the truth. You get to see\hear what you want to. Two sane, intelligent people could have two completely different options on a topic based on what news source they plug into. Be it fox or CNN or Facebook groups or Twitter follows. You can easily see how another Hitler scenario could play out in the future based on millions being brainwashed by bad information

To me it's the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide and countries like China employ hundreds of thousands to manipulate the information.

I don't know which is worse, the "wormhole effect" you mention that I have seen first hand affect a family member, or the technocrats flexing power to deplatform entire communication channels that do not conform.

Neither allows a free society function. We are entering something completely new.