(Almost posted this in the movie thread but decided this felt more appropriate, since it's not really a movie review.)
So I'm watching The Social Dilemma. And yeah, it's ironic I posted this on Facebook& Twittee, too, which is ironic. And it's largely information I knew before. That it's not so much our data specifically being sold but our statistics.
And of course, they talk about algorithms and manipulation while, as with any piece of media, is also manipulating your emotions with how it sets the stage, frames the narrative, the spooky music to keep you uneasy.
But...it did make me consider something. There's been talk of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg getting into politics. With all the data his company has gathered from other countries and elections, what kind of manipulative power would he have to "win hearts and minds"?
Someone made a good point about how all the disinformation spread through social media is great for authoritarian powers. We see that with the severe misinformation with Trump, Covid, climate change, etc. It does make me wonder what Zuckerberg may do with his algorithmic power.
The documentary doesn't quite motivate me to delete my social media altogether, but it did get me thinking about its addictive nature. I've never gambled but one compared swiping down to refresh like pulling the handle on a slot machine and that's an accurate analogy.
I might try using the Freedom app more, I think. At the very least, limit my use a little more. Because I'm aware that a lot of my usage is just mindless scrolling.
So I'm watching The Social Dilemma. And yeah, it's ironic I posted this on Facebook& Twittee, too, which is ironic. And it's largely information I knew before. That it's not so much our data specifically being sold but our statistics.
And of course, they talk about algorithms and manipulation while, as with any piece of media, is also manipulating your emotions with how it sets the stage, frames the narrative, the spooky music to keep you uneasy.
But...it did make me consider something. There's been talk of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg getting into politics. With all the data his company has gathered from other countries and elections, what kind of manipulative power would he have to "win hearts and minds"?
Someone made a good point about how all the disinformation spread through social media is great for authoritarian powers. We see that with the severe misinformation with Trump, Covid, climate change, etc. It does make me wonder what Zuckerberg may do with his algorithmic power.
The documentary doesn't quite motivate me to delete my social media altogether, but it did get me thinking about its addictive nature. I've never gambled but one compared swiping down to refresh like pulling the handle on a slot machine and that's an accurate analogy.
I might try using the Freedom app more, I think. At the very least, limit my use a little more. Because I'm aware that a lot of my usage is just mindless scrolling.