The Social Dilemma documentary/drama on Netflix hits home and stops us in our tracks. The film is a must-see. It's no surprise we're painfully addicted to our phones for a multitude of real and very dangerous reasons but little did we know how much serious money was being made at our expense.
The Social Dilemma
The New Documentary/drama On Netflix
One of the most important films of 2020, and that's putting it lightly.
I think it's safe to say we've all heard engaging in social media can be and is addicting for millions of children, young folks, and adults, but that's more than an understatement today. I'm not exaggerating. If you haven't seen The Social Dilemma yet, please do and tell all those you love to watch it also.
Dilemma's timing couldn't be more in line with an epidemic of mental wellness slowly being pushed harder and harder with everything shaking stability underfoot today. What's at stake here is a whole lot more than simple mindless entertainment - an entire business has been built under our noses making billions upon billions of dollars off of what we do online. Every move, purchase, search engine lookup, every second online is being tracked for big money. Our online actions are being traded as - human futures. I can't believe I just wrote that. The new commodity happens to be you and I and everyone else around the world, who owns a smartphone. According to PewResearch.org, "Today, it is estimated that more than 5 billion people have mobile devices, and over half of these connections are smartphones."
Daunting right? Without a question, but therein lies a treasure trove of opportunity. Knowledge is Power - Beacon
We can disengage if not greatly limit our usage to such an extent, the campaigns utilizing AI technology will not have an opportunity to track us as they have anymore. It takes a group effort, a collective action - globally. If we do, keeping we can break this chain of maleficence.
With all these newfound hours, we can get back outside, put in our 10k steps come rain, shine, or snow.
Be present in the here and now - soak in the color change fall brings us.
Take a break from our home office, call up a friend, and have a socially distanced cup of coffee, outside.
Re-engage in life and ask if every time we reach for our phone, "is it necessary, does this bring me joy, happiness?
As entrepreneurs, we post socially to make a living. We can do just that then walk away.
Create a social media consumption competition at work and at home (with rewards) to see who can reduce most. This way as a whole, we get a real understanding of how much everyone is consuming and encourage each taking responsibility and owning their part of the solution.
Start discussions around what ethics is and how it applies to our families and businesses we support by buying their products. If there is a disconnect, be bold and speak up. Holding folks accountable opens up communication lines.
Question of the day: If the banks are all deeply regulated, why aren't social media companies regulated as well by holding them to the same ethical standards that other industries need to follow?
Lastly, put an end to fake news. (putting my old reporter's hat on here). Check the source. Bonafide news is taken very seriously by dedicated, hard-working journalists, educated and trained to honor what they communicate and how they communicate to the masses. The power a journalist has on-air and off, has many checks and balances to make sure what they communicate given their best ability is correct. Put this power in the wrong hands, we've got problems as we see today. Any news source outside of this gold standard is not delivering the news. Period.
Thank you Medium's Brad Dibben -- to learn more of what is mentioned in the film, check out Brad's list here:
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter (Book)
Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier (Book)
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff (Book)
How a Handful of Tech Companies Control Billions of Minds Every Day and How Better Tech Could Protect Us From Distraction by Tristan Harris (TED Talks)
Moment by Tim Kendall (App)