The documentary film SOCIAL DILEMMA
I have been following Tristan Harris’ work with the Center for Humane Technology for over two years. His ethical response to how technology social – media – is influencing society is worth giving your serious attention. It can totally take over the time of family members, especially with children. It’s sneaky.
The heading for the Center’s Home Page states:
“As long as social media companies profit from outrage, confusion, addiction, and depression, our well-being and democracy will continue to be at risk.”
The Center uses the term “ledgers of harm” to list social media strategies that are influencing children. This discussion needs to be held with our families and friends. We need to be in control of what we are following and sharing and the time given.
Harris and his co-founders Aza Raskin and Randima Fernando need to be heard. Consider following the recommendations from the Center for your child’s and family’s well-being. Look on the website, signup for newsletters and information. Follow the postings “For Students, Parents and Educators”. The suggestions are practical and doable. www.humanetech.com
The documentary Social Dilemma presents the Center’s research over the past few years, so a wider audience can understand how social media is influencing our society. Yes, social media can have its benefits, but the downside is insidious and can harm our mental health and human relationships. Terms used to describe the manipulation used on social media include hypnotism and addiction. (The danger to our democracy is another serious discussion.)
Families can take action. Again, we can make some simple changes.
- No cell phones during meals, including at restaurants.
- Use computers for homework, but no more than one hour on a device for entertainment
- Look up at people’s faces when talking; have conversations with real people
- No screen time for children two and under.
With your Pre-K child share the book Look! by Jeff Mack.
Follow the progress of this 4th Industrial Revolution – where technology continues to expand rapidly and exponentially in manufacturing, production, and in processes and inventions that influence society in ways we could have hardly imagined. It can serve good purposes. The trick is knowing how we humans as members of society and citizens of the world are going to be in control of technology, including social media, to ensure it serves the common good through more humane products that will protect the world as well as our personal well-being.
Watch the documentary SOCIAL DILEMMA. Watch it with your family. Have a discussion after seeing it. How can your family participate positively in this new era of media bombardment?