Sapien.Network - The Social Dilemma

This page only works in landscape mode. Please rotate your device.

The Social Dilemma documentary demonstrated how the Social Media Establishment (The Smē) gets rich by manipulating our behavior in ways that harm us as individuals and as a society. Unfortunately, it didn't offer any genuinely viable solutions.

Good solutions stem from good questions ...

Must we give up Social Media?

The Movie Said: A mass exodus of users from the big social platforms would save our sanity and help rebuild society.

Sapien Says: That would mean giving up all the good parts of social media too, the real value that a digital community provides to people.

Should we trust The Smē to reform itself?

The Movie Said: Oversight from government bodies—plus pressure from the user base—will lead to real change on big platforms.

Sapien Says: It’s not plausible that social media tech giants will abandon the business model that created their fortune and keeps them dominant.

Is a Smē "crisis of conscience" likely?

The Movie Said: When faced with external pressures, the Social Media Establishment will change its ways and make its users a priority.

Sapien Says: Relying on manipulative billionaires to save our sociodigital souls is a nonviable escape plan.

Is it even possible to "Save" Social Media?

The Movie Said: The Social Media Establishment is flawed, but salvageable, and it’s on us to help bring about change.

Sapien Says: We need new social platforms— ones that aren’t built on extractive business models and are built to promote human flourishing.

Solving the Social Dilemma requires market leaders with a different set of values.

Good solutions stem from good questions ...

Must we give up Social Media?

Should we trust The Smē to reform itself?

Is a Smē "crisis of conscience" likely?

Is it even possible to "Save" Social Media?

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading