I’ve been asked this at least a dozen times in the last two months. Yes, I have. It’s a 2020 docudrama that explores the rise of social media and the damage it has caused to society that focuses on data mining, manipulation, and its effect on mental health.
The most important ethical question is with Facebook, Google, YouTube, Twitter and others are PLATFORMS or PUBLISHERS. Platforms don’t censor or edit what is published. Publishers do. Radio, newspaper, TV, magazines, etc… have all been subject to government regulation. For instance, you’re not allowed to slander someone (spread deliberate lies). Is it time for platforms that behave as publishers to be subject to similar regulations?
Social media is like time or money. They can be used for good or bad things. We should have healthy boundaries, knowing that anything we ever post (including photos and videos) are public. Should we leave social media? That’s a personal question each of us must decide on our own. For me, I choose to stay (for now) and use it for good – but with healthy boundaries. Facebook is still the big daddy of them all and its utilities are endless. It’s the most powerful way to market to your demographic that has ever been available! There are other options available, of course. Check them out if you want.
Questions?
Jennie Poppenger, Face to Face, 303.518.0089