In their 2021 article on the first 25 years of social media (SM), Aichner et al. document the most dominant definitions and major applications of SM from 1994 to 2019. The impact of social media on society is also addressed in a 2020 documentary, The Social Dilemma, directed by Jeff Orlowski and produced by Larissa Rhodes. This documentary portrays the social media industry as an existential threat to society and extremely harmful because it exploits human weaknesses in order to manipulate and influence us as users, through the use of algorithms, and for the sole purpose of profit.
Write approximately 1500 words where you not only identify the characteristics of the social media industry but also – using critical evaluation – argue whether you agree with the documentary’s perspective of the SM industry. Eventually, your essay must reveal whether you believe the social media industry is ethical or not.
