On this episode of the Sofa King Podcast, we do a somewhat unique show and do a deep dive on the Netflix documentary called The Social Dilemma. What exactly is the dilemma? Well, for one it’s privacy and the way that apps like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and all the rest use our data and manipulate us. Worse, however, is the ability to the platforms to isolate us in ocean of our own making, where our own politics, fears, prejudices, and hopes are the only thing we see. These apps distort our world view to the point where there is no more truth, just bias and a divide that keeps putting a wedge between us more and more.

We talk about the three main goal of the apps—engagement, growth, and advertising. The algorithms used by these companies are far more sophisticated that we could dream, and even the creators no longer have control of what their AIs do or how they do it. More to the point, the social media apps are leading us to a dystopia where we all hate each other and only see one narrow world view. If you’ve wondered why politics have moved from divisive to destructive, this episode talks about why that is.

So, what tricks to the social media apps use to get your attention and hold it? What can be done to stop them? What effect has this had on teenage mental health? What is the real commodity that is being sold by the likes of Facebook and Google? What can you do to stop yourself from being used? Listen, laugh, learn.

Visit Our Sources: Netflix Documentary, The Social Dilemma