The Social Dilemma

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2:23

The Social Dilemma

PG-13

2020

1h 34m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

67 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Tech experts sound the alarm on the dangerous human impact of social networking.

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Critics Consensus

Clear-eyed and comprehensive, The Social Dilemma presents a sobering analysis of our data-mined present.

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Mark Kennedy

Associated Press

The film reveals much more than why you go from Googling the best sofa one minute to finding sofa ads on your Facebook stream the next.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 30, 2020

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Elizabeth Pankova

The New Republic

As The Social Dilemma shows, entertainers are in no rush to hold us, or themselves, accountable.

Oct 9, 2020

Full Review

Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

For many of us, the concept of algorithms is hard to grasp, but this documentary-drama hybrid is imaginative and effective in showing how they work as Silicon Valley veterans unpack many of the myriad horrors they helped create.

Sep 30, 2020

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

The documentary has an interesting start that reaches its strong point precisely by questioning the negative impact of social networks, but whose lack of answers, as a rule, remains subject to a tautological and futile horizon. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Aug 1, 2023

Full Review

Josh Parham

Next Best Picture

Director Jeff Orlowski makes competent choices that bring an engaging presence to the talking head interviews that makes their testimonials all that more interesting.

Rated: 7/10

Jun 5, 2022

Full Review

Gem Seddon

SFX Magazine

The Social Dilemma is a captivating, chilling watch on how everything from algorithms to A.I. are secretly controlling and manipulating our lives.

Feb 3, 2022

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Aluna U

The Social Dilemma is a powerful documentary that explores how social media algorithms subtly manipulate user behavior, creating addiction and influencing mental health. Through expert interviews, dramatized simulations, and engaging visuals, it reveals the ethical dilemmas behind profit-driven platforms that often overlook their societal impact. With a balanced and accessible approach, the film encourages viewers to critically reassess their digital habits and understand the hidden forces shaping their online experiences. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/25

Full Review

Ian P

Yes, this doc is guilty of posing only one side of the argument. I don’t think the point of the movie is to convince anyone of anything…I think this movie assumes that you already agree with the statement that “social media is bad for you” and then attempts to show you just HOW bad it is. In that regard, it was very effective.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

Leaburn O

Starts well, in a focused manner but soon deteriorates into some pretty daft theorising and preposterous solutions being aired by the talking heads who, strangely, don’t seem to recognise that they exist in an echo chamber of their own. A bit weaker than I hoped for such an interesting topic. Watched on Netflix.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

Full Review

Aryan G

Great documentary 7.5/10 It really shows how we're controlled by these Social Media apps. Worth watching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

Full Review

One N

Must watch, a glimpse of reality . Revealing ,Evil motives of silicon valley.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/25

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie was so boring I took out my phone

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

Full Review

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Jeff Orlowski-Yang

Director

Randy Fernando

Actor

Tristan Harris

Actor

Jeff Seibert

Actor

Bailey Richardson

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The Social Dilemma: Trailer 1

2:23

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Synopsis

Tech experts sound the alarm on the dangerous human impact of social networking.

Director: Jeff Orlowski-Yang
Producer: Larissa Rhodes
Screenwriter: Davis Coombe, Jeff Orlowski-Yang, Vickie Curtis
Production Co: Agent Pictures, The Space Program, Exposure Labs
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing/Violent Images|Suggestive Material|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 9, 2020
Runtime: 1h 34m

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