Social media has become a big part of our lives. And unknowingly, we’ve become addicted to it. We often spend too much time browsing and hopping on different videos, topics, and friends. What most people also don’t know is, these actions have an impact on our daily lives, and they maybe bigger than you may think. 

The Social Dilemma, a docu-series on Netflix discusses everything that went wrong with social media. Directed by Jeff Orlowski and starred by many social media platform pioneers, it traces the beginnings and evolution of social media, as well as the effects observed on us, the users.

So, what’s exactly wrong with Social Media?

A LOT, as told by the people who built some of the platforms. From addiction to fake news, and the usage of our online data that indirectly manipulate human behavior, it breaks down the algorithm and programming behind what goes on behind the scenes. 

One thing that really struck a chord for me was the statement from the people who worked on Facebook. They said in the interview that they invented the infamous Facebook like button to spread positivity but it ended up as a measurement for a person’s self worth. I mean, if I were the developer, I’d probably fall into depression first before I start doing what they did, which is to find ways to control and mitigate the problem.

The Algorithm 

It’s funny how people from the past thought that the Artificial intelligence (AI) of the future would comprise robots, but today, it actually sells us stuff. This however has also become a problem, this is because no single person knows all about the AI’s algorithm but itself, and that reality is scary. 

We are gullible to the algorithm. Even people who are actually conscious and know social media like me, fall prey to the workings of the algorithm. We often fall into YouTube’s rabbit hole, one minute we’re watching instructional videos, and then another we’re looking at the cute little ducklings crossing the road. It’s funny how we think that we’re in control of what we’re watching and doing, but our behavior is actually being manipulated by the algorithm.

My Thoughts as a Marketer

Personally, I think that Marketing AI does a lot of good, not only as a marketer but also as a consumer. I prefer the advertisements shown to me to be personalized. I don’t want to see ads that I’m not interested in. There’s nothing wrong with being sold stuff, but as a consumer you need to be aware that things  are being sold to you on these platforms because they have your data. 

A little clarification, these platforms DO NOT SELL your data it only uses it to sell things for you. You can access and see your data anytime you want. 

As a social media expert in Davao City, I highly recommend that you watch it.  Not just for your awareness, but also for you to become conscious of what you’re getting into and how the internet could be improved. We’re hoping for a brighter future, maybe It won’t happen in my lifetime, but someday soon, we’ll have a safer internet for everyone.