Reflection Paper: "The Facebook Dilemma" and "The Social Dilemma"
The documentaries "The Facebook Dilemma" and "The Social Dilemma" are both thought
provoking, shedding light on the complex and numerous concerns surrounding social media
platforms. Both programs look at the unanticipated repercussions and ethical issues that have
arisen because of these platforms' rapid expansion and influence in our society. As I watched the
documentaries "The Facebook Dilemma" and "The Social Dilemma," I could not help but feel
uneasy about the influence that social media platforms play in our daily lives. These films
demonstrate how these platforms, which were designed to connect people and share information,
have evolved into potent tools for disseminating disinformation, propaganda, and even hate
speech.
One of the most striking aspects of these videos is how they show social media's
emergence as a two-edged sword. On the one hand, these platforms have enabled people to
interact with people from all over the world, share knowledge, and participate in political and
social debates. On the other hand, they have created an atmosphere in which misinformation and
propaganda can be easily circulated and our personal data is continually mined and abused for
profit.
One of the most disturbing features of these videos is how they reveal how social media
algorithms are meant to keep us engaged and addicted to the platform. The more time we spend
on these platforms, the more information they can gather about us and the more money they can
make from advertisements. As a result, social media corporations have a personal stake in
keeping us glued to their platforms, even if it means feeding us inaccurate or sensational content.
As someone who uses social media daily, seeing these documentaries has made me more
conscious of how my personal information is collected and used. It has also made me more
cautious about the information I consume and share on these platforms. While social media can
be a wonderful tool for interacting with others and sharing information, it is also vital to realize
that it is a highly profitable industry based on exploitation of our attention and personal data.
Overall, "The Facebook Dilemma" and "The Social Dilemma" are both
thought-provoking documentaries that highlight serious concerns about the influence of social
media in our lives. They remind us that social media is not inherently good or terrible, but rather
a tool that may be utilized for both good and bad purposes. It is our responsibility as users to be
aware of potential risks and to utilize these sites appropriately.
SOURCES:
F. P. O. (2018, October 30). The Facebook Dilemma, Part One (full documentary) | FRONTLINE.
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48KFiHwexM
F. P. O. (2018, October 31). The Facebook Dilemma, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE.
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuA4qxPbpQE