The consequences, as presented by the film's experts, are severe. A graph in the documentary matches the sharp rise in social media usage with a corresponding spike in depression and suicide among teenage girls. The film also demonstrates how these systems are designed to "reprogram society" by spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation, and how they facilitate a "normalisation of hate" by promoting divisive and polarizing content that keeps users engaged.
However, the film also faced valid criticism. Many reviewers felt that the scripted, dramatic sequences were a "gimmicky" and heavy-handed distraction from the powerful testimony of the experts. They argued that a "sleazy" personification of the algorithm undermined the message by oversimplifying a complex problem. Despite these stylistic missteps, the film's core message was undeniably influential, leading many viewers to re-evaluate their relationship with their smartphones and social media.
Experts describe how algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by exploiting human psychology, leading to addiction, mental health issues, and the spread of misinformation. Societal Impact: