The Role of Children and Adolescents in The Social Dilemma: Examining the Impact of Social Media on Younger Generations and Their Development
The Social Dilemma places significant emphasis on the impact of social media on children and adolescents, noting that younger generations are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of constant online interaction. The film explores how social media platforms exploit the developing brains of children, using techniques designed to maximize engagement and attention.
The documentary highlights how young users are more susceptible to issues like cyberbullying, peer pressure, and body image concerns, all exacerbated by the digital environment. It also examines the addictive nature of these platforms and how they can interfere with real-life social skills and emotional development. The film calls for more research into the long-term effects of social media on youth and advocates for stricter regulations regarding how platforms target younger audiences.
9. The Relationship Between Social Media and Consumerism in The Social Dilemma: How Platforms Drive Materialism and Consumer Behavior Through Targeted Advertising
The Social Dilemma explores the relationship between social media and consumerism, explaining how platforms use targeted advertising to create a culture of materialism. The documentary demonstrates how social media companies collect vast amounts of data about users’ interests, behaviors, and demographics, which is then used to serve highly personalized ads designed to drive consumer behavior.
This advertising model encourages users to view their worth and success through the lens of consumerism, fostering a desire for material goods and social validation. The film critiques this system, arguing that it creates a cycle where users are constantly exposed to advertising that promotes an unattainable ideal of happiness based on consumption. By examining the ethical implications of this model, The Social Dilemma calls for more transparency in advertising practices and a shift toward more responsible business models.