Manipulated.

Abused.

Used.

Even digitally gas-lighted.

All of this is happening to you right now, and you've granted permission for this to happen, so you can't sue or press charges over it. And for most, you don't even believe it's happening.

Netflix dropped a new documentary called THE SOCIAL DILEMMA and it's a sobering, eye-opening slap in the face for anyone who is currently logged into Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok or any other app, who currently has notifications enabled, or who thinks they "need" to be on social media "because my job" requires it.

"It keeps me connected to ________."

Insert "friends, family, career, life, culture" in the blank.

Sounds like a grand jury indictment, right?

It should. Because it's the truth. And this documentary, through the words and stories of the coders, techs, engineers, psychologists... the people employed by companies like, oh, Google, Facebook, Pintrest, Apple, Instagram (before Facebook bought 'em), TikTok, Snapchat... rips back the blackout shades on the science and algorithm of manipulation-meets-pleasure. It takes you inside the WHY you... yes... you... are addicted to social media. They show how they've manipulated you and your emotional state to NEED what you get with a refresh on your phone or tablet more so than you need the love or attention of your spouse, partner, kids or family at the dinner table. They detail how they've been able to get you hooked... and work second by second... to keep you hooked... based on all of the things you do on social media and the Internet... using so much data... from where you've been, to what you've purchased, to what you've searched, to what you've EMAILED or MESSAGED to people...

Yup. They use all of it. To keep you hooked. High, if you will. On the data they supply for advertisers based on your own choice to stay digitally coked up.

Yeah, I said "Coked Up." Because when you watch this documentary, you'll see that's exactly what it is.

Buckle up, kids. This documentary is a bumpy, yet revealing ride. A truth which many have tried to tell or warn about, but now, with outrageous honesty, you can't ignore what's being told.

This is the kind of work which brings about Congressional investigations and changes to laws. It makes you think twice before you check that "terms-and-conditions" boxes. The kinda stuff which makes you realize the word "privacy" is a pipe dream.

You need to watch. Because what you've been reprogrammed with is on the other side of your screen... and now maybe you'll be able to see it for the first time.

Images: Netflix. Used with permission and under agreement.

Disclosure: Netflix provided assets for this review.

Toby Knapp

About Toby Knapp