Netflix’s ‘The Social Dilemma’ Don’t Be Shocked, Be Insulted
The Netflix documentary features former executives from Facebook, Google, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, providing an insider’s perspective on how algorithms exploit people’s insecurities and vulnerabilities so companies can make money.
Shocked viewers said, “Tonight I deleted Facebook and turned off notifications from Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. It’s time to take back control of our minds.” And, “Just watched this and immediately deleted #Facebook and #Instagram. A must watch to understand the manipulation.”
I’m Surprise People Are Surprised
Modern advertising has been around since the 15th century, and the ‘manipulation’ starts as early as seven years old when most children develop comprehension around ads.
The major difference between the 1955’s cigarette smoking Marlboro Man who became an icon for masculinity, until now, is the speed of influence fueled by technology.
Source: 7 Psychological Tricks Used In Advertisements To Manipulate Us! | MakeMyDay
Now You’re Just Insulting My Intelligence
In response to the documentary, Facebook’s ‘About’ page had a very un-social media PDF titled “What ‘The Social Dilemma’ Gets Wrong.”
Stating, “The film’s creators do not include insights from those currently working at the companies or any experts that take a different view to the narrative put forward by the film.”
Now I’m insulted. Marketers know online algorithms are well-kept secrets. It would be highly unlikely for ‘current employees’ to discuss the topic, and if they did, without corporate media coaching and legal advice, they’d probably be fired.
Your Invitation
Best-selling author and high-performance coach Brendon Burchard says, “The inbox is nothing but a convenient organizing system for other people’s agendas.”
That’s how I view social media; a convenient distraction. Average daily social media consumption is two hours, 20 minutes. If you want a real shock, check out the infographic below on lifetime projection.
How would your life improve if you redirected that time into developing a happy, fulfilled, purposeful life? That’s my invitation to you.
Source: “Average Time Spent Daily on Social Media (Latest 2020 Data).” BroadbandSearch.net, www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/average-daily-time-on-social-media.
Sources
“Average Time Spent Daily on Social Media (Latest 2020 Data).” BroadbandSearch.net, www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/average-daily-time-on-social-media.
Yussuf, Ahmed. “Netflix Documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’ Prompts Some to Leave Social Media.” The Feed, 30 Sept. 2020, www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/netflix-documentary-the-social-dilemma-prompts-some-to-leave-social-media.
Perlmutter, Austin. “4 Ways Ads Target Kids, and What to Do About It.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 23 Oct. 2019, www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-modern-brain/201910/4-ways-ads-target-kids-and-what-do-about-it.
Shead, Sam. “Netflix Documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’ Prompts Social Media Users to Rethink Facebook, Instagram and Others.” CNBC, CNBC, 18 Sept. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/09/18/netflixs-the-social-dilemma-results-in-people-deleting-facebook-instagram.html.
Stampler, Laura. “Everything You Need To Know About The History Of Advertising In One Cool Infographic.” Business Insider Australia, Business Insider Australia, 28 Dec. 2011, www.businessinsider.com.au/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-history-of-advertising-in-one-cool-infographic-2011-12.
Yussuf, Ahmed. “Netflix Documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’ Prompts Some to Leave Social Media.” The Feed, 30 Sept. 2020, www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/netflix-documentary-the-social-dilemma-prompts-some-to-leave-social-media.