What if "the social dilemma" on Netflix is really part 2 of a social experiment and/or social manipulation?
If the original goal was to brainwash a generation toward a certain ideation, but older and wiser people started to use the tool and share their knowledge, experience and wisdom; then perhaps you need a new experiment to see if you could get those people off social media clearing the way to influence the young.
What if "the social dilemma" documentary is more about increasing social distancing (virtually and physically) than it is about telling truth?
What if the people who "hid the truth" about social media in the beginning are now hiding their real reasons for "telling all" now?
What if the fact that someone used social media to be a BIG tool in getting elected (and that person is hated by many in the media - social and otherwise) caused them to try and figure out how to make social media a less effective tool for them in the future?
What if everyone using social media used it to be social and not political?
What if seniors, who find huge joy seeing grand children and great-grand children could no longer do that because their families decide to drop off social media.
Sure, we can go back to phone, mail, and the occasional every other year visit. I'm just not convinced that will last. Oh, there are some exceptional people that do make that work and my hat is off to them. In my experience they are the exception, not the rule. When I see the joy on my 88 year old mother's face every time she says, "Did you see what ____ posted?", I don't see social media as evil. Not that it can't be. It just isn't always that.
Here is what I know. I have not seen the documentary, I've only read about. I do not use or watch Netflix (for personal reasons). I have a great group of Facebook friends who come from all different walks of life, spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, etc. I love them all. The only ones that I've seen react to the documentary to the level that they will leave social media over it are the friends who are conservative politically, or Christian, or both. Hmmmm.
Now, do I think minors should have unlimited access to social media? NO. Do I think parents should be the biggest influence in their children's life? YES. Do I think we have lost the art of critical thinking in this country? YES.
So, if you feel the need to drop social media, that is your choice. I do not judge that decision when it is made for the right reasons and not being made based on one movie created by people who have admitted to having hidden agendas in the past and might just still have hidden agendas.
Sorry about the rant. This isn't due to one person posting about it, I've had many friends post about it. It is pent up anger due to how quickly I watch all kinds of people jump on all kinds of band wagons. Maybe in the end, I'll be the one who is wrong. And, I am in the middle of covid-fatigue and how quickly everyone's social life was radically changed, and is still not what it was. I am furious at how loved ones have been kept apart when hospitalized or in care facilities. Their failure to thrive is heart breaking.
I feel close to those I care about because I know how to pray for them, when to call them, how to celebrate with them as they share bits and pieces of real life on social media. Now, I feel like this new documentary wants to take that away too.
Personally, I gain so much emotional strength by seeing what my family and friends post (when it is actually about them and their lives) that it causes me great sadness every time I see someone I love drop out of the social media connection.
Bye, I will miss you. Some of you I know will connect with me in others ways. Thank God! But, some of you, this is our only connection.
