A Little Review About Why “The Social Dilemma” Is Important

Last night, I watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix. I had been waiting for this all the time, and I can say that it was one of the best content I have ever seen!

About Documentary

It discusses how social networking disrupted our past, today, and future.

Why is this important?

This is an unusual production because you can see former employees from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other big tech companies that rule the world. They invented and developed many features and services for big companies, but what? They do not want to use these features, they do not want to see people using them, and they do not let their kids use them.

What is the problem?

The problem includes many dilemmas for companies and users.

“Ethics or money?”

“Future or money?”

“Health or money?”

“… or money?”

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“If you are not paying for the product, then you are the product.”

Probably you heard that sentence before, and I need to tell you that it is entirely correct. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Google, Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn, and many more. How much money do you pay for them? Are you paying for them? How do they earn money? What is their business model?

Their business model keeps us on the screen. “Our attention” is the product, and it is sold to the advertiser. As a user, you are for sale.

Do your best friends know about your dreams? Can your family tell you missed your previous job or your ex? Your “social” network knows. When you sleep, what you buy, what you like, what you do not like, where you go, who you want to be with… Every information is essential; that is how they get to know you more and more. Ultimately, you are just data; your behavior model is only for sale. That makes money.

For companies, three points are important. Engagement, growth and advertising. Manipulation is at the root of our generation.

Have you ever realized that you cannot focus more? Are there times when you do not want to watch long videos or read books? Our patience level is also decreasing. We are used to being distracted by notifications, which is why we cannot focus.

People are getting bullied by social media, especially teenagers. Suicide rates are increasing; when users look at the shining moments other users share on social networks, they think their lives are miserable. Cyberbullying affects teenagers’ lives, and they want to have plastic surgery. Even plastic surgeons invented a name for this. Those kids want to look “cute,” like they used real-life Snapchat filters. They do not like their face and their body.

Why would I care about my data?

You can say, “yes, my data can be used by companies, I do not care about it.” But the truth is, your data does not affect only you. It affects millions of people in the world. This data is not a file on social media companies’ backgrounds. This data rules the world, plays with truths, and causes wars. Did you know that fake news is spreading fast? Six times faster, more than the true ones!

What will happen next?

I cannot say, “Delete all your social network accounts now!” but please do it just now. Do you think your life is only for looking at the screen? How many times do you spend your time on social media accounts? Check it now. Also, please tell me how often you spend time with your family or friends.

Life is worth living. It is your life. Do not be sold or directed by someone for money. Search for truths; do not believe everything you see. As a digital marketer, I hate spending time on Facebook, Twitter, etc., and I stopped using them in my personal life.

It is your time; it is your choice. Use it wisely and free.

I will not discuss every detail because I want you to watch this documentary. I guarantee you will not regret it.

Thank you.

- This blog was originally published on my Medium blog in 2020 and read by thousands of people.