Netflix’s special “The Social Dilemma” confirms what many of us already suspect, we are collectively addicted to social media, and this addiction was by design, not accident. The platforms were engineered to penetrate our psyche and keep us coming back for more.

What’s particularly striking is that even the engineers and employees who designed these systems fall victim to them. We’ve witnessed a fundamental shift in how culture is created and consumed. YouTube twins can make an 80s song go viral simply by reacting to it, replacing the era when we revered the actual artists. We no longer play video games ourselves, instead, we watch others play them online. Influence and stardom are now determined by follower counts and likes rather than actual talent or achievement.

The algorithms work on a subconscious level that’s almost frightening in its effectiveness. These systems are designed to manipulate not just what we see, but how we feel, think, and even vote. The 2016 election wasn’t hacked in the traditional sense, instead, foreign actors weaponized existing algorithms to subtly influence millions of voters without their knowledge.

There’s also the unsettling reality that our phones are constantly listening, tracking, and learning about us. When I mention Raqqa in conversation with coworkers and suddenly see hotel advertisements for Syria, it’s not coincidence, it’s surveillance capitalism at work.

The algorithmic chaos is particularly evident in how social media presents conflicting narratives. The same news story appears on my timeline with completely opposite captions and political spins, depending on whether it’s shared by left-wing or right-wing connections. It’s a wonder how AI systems even process this level of contradiction.

While the special runs about 30 minutes longer than necessary, by the end, the repetition becomes tedious, it’s largely informative and thought provoking. It’s a worthwhile watch for anyone concerned about their relationship with technology and society’s future.