Last night, I watched the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, which talks about how social media manipulates us in both obvious and subtle ways. There wasn’t much in this documentary that is new or overly surprising to me, but it does connect some very disturbing dots. It deserves a second watch before discussing further, which I will be able to do both here and as part of a panel on an upcoming episode of Secrets of Technology.
It does deserve an immediate response, so I’ve decided that it’s time for a social networking fast. I have already closed out Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit tabs from the desktop browser and removed their apps from my phone and iPad. I haven’t deleted my accounts, as they’re still useful tools when used properly, but I need to get away from the temptation for a while. I may even sit down with a trusted friend to change those accounts’ passwords to restrict my access further. My homilies and other blog posts will continue to post to FB and Twitter, as that can be done on an automated basis.
One point the show makes is how notifications help encourage the “addiction” the social networking creates. It encourages restricting notifications on phones and tablets to only essentials, so that we’re not constantly buzzed by frivolous notifications. I’m working through the apps on my devices to do just this, and encourage others to take the same steps.
What do I hope to do in exchange for the time suck that is social networking? There is a backlog of good spiritual and theological reading I need to get to. Maybe I’ll develop a sci-fi story idea I’ve had kicking around for a while. There might be a few posts to this blog, other than just homilies. Of course, more prayer and reflection on the Scriptures is very necessary. Oh, and I’ve been very negligent in getting back to my jogging routine.
So, this was just some short initial thoughts and actions from watching The Social Dilemma. More will be coming in the near future. If you wish to respond, please do in the comment section below because I won’t see them on Facebook or Twitter!
