Facebook is Not Quite Happy with The Social Dilemma Film on Netflix
Facebook issued a statement which had a seven-point rebuttal
Jeff Orlowski’s acclaimed documentary, The Social Dilemma has made people re-think about how they are being manipulated and rewired about many things via algorithms. Since its release in early September, the film has been making the waves on Netflix. Now, Facebook has reacted to the documentary.
Facebook issued a statement which had a seven-point rebuttal regarding The Social Dilemma. It highlighted why the Netflix film is wrong and how the social media giant is trying its best.
As per Facebook, The Social Dilemma on Netflix “buries the substance in sensationalism.” It also said that the film provides a “distorted view of how social media platforms work.”
The first point made by Facebook said that it does not build addictive products but makes products that add value. It also said that the news feed was changed to prioritize meaningful social interactions rather than viral content.
The Social Dilemma argued that FB users are the product because Facebook is funded by companies who buy advertising dollars so that they can easily sell products to the FB users. Facebook contradicted that by saying that it is funded by advertising so that it remains free for everyone.
The Social Dilemma had commented on how social media has increased the division in the society by showing only that content to users which appeals to their political beliefs instead of offering them a realistic and holistic view of the world.
Facebook argued that “polarisation and populism have existed long before Facebook.” The social media giant also said that it is reducing clickbait headlines and misinformation. It also stressed that it is trying to make political ads, especially those related to the US elections more transparent.
We think that Facebook’s efforts to defend itself have been quite feeble as compared to the stuff showed in The Social Dilemma. The company’s claims were not even very substantial and not backed by data.
What do you think of this new war of words between The Social Dilemma on Netflix and Facebook?
