Plugged In : The True Toxicity of Social Media Revealed
No phenomenon in recent history has changed us as fundamentally as social media. Seemingly innocuous ways to pass the time and keep in touch with old friends can actually ruin us. Many mental health professionals say Plugged In: The True Toxicity of Social Media Revealed.
“People need to get out of these tools,” says one of the film’s interviewees. It’s a matter of survival. Evidence suggests that frequent use of social media platforms alienates us from physical social interactions, increases our feelings of insecurity, and has profound effects on rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide worldwide, especially among adolescents.
The executives and designers behind these platforms are aware of the downside of overusing their products. They are an unfortunate by-product of its business model. Social media algorithms are designed to stimulate short-term infusions of dopamine and rapidly tune users’ brains and central nervous systems. It is the engine through which narcissism thrives. It creates intense feelings of jealousy in many users, which can quickly turn into deep depression. Cyberbullies feel entitled to lash out under the guise of anonymity.
The diagnosis is grim. With the help of author and behavioral scientist Sam Vaknin, the film attempts to piece together a possible treatment. Additional interviews with social media users underscore the power of these platforms to exploit human frailties, and how simple behavioral changes can help curb the dangers of instant gratification.
The film insists that the very existence of the Internet and its social media capabilities is not inherently evil. But our exposure to them needs to be used in moderation and responsibly, like any potentially addictive activity.
It is an addictive behavior that affects millions of users around the world. Most of them may not be aware of their addiction or the risks it poses to their psyche. Insert: Uncovering the true toxicity of social media provides valuable insight into the psychological impact of media.
Directed by: Richard Willett
