What "The Social Dilemma" teaches us about algorithms, Big Tech and their broken business model. Guest Julia Hoppock.

Unplug and Plug In

Dec 2 2021 • 22 mins

Today our topic is social media platforms and the movie that got us talking about harmful algorithms, "The Social Dilemma". Special guest Julia Hoppock joins me with her perspective as the Partnerships Director for The Social Dilemma impact campaign

More about Julia Hoppock

Julia is a filmmaker and campaign strategist with 15 years of storytelling experience in documentary film, journalism, and the non-profit sector. She has spent her career finding, pitching, writing, and producing stories that connect audiences to the issues that impact their lives. Prior to Exposure Labs, Julia worked at The Pew Charitable Trusts, where she ran film and advocacy campaigns to advance environmental conservation, public health, and other public policy issues.

Topic: Social media platforms and "The Social Dilemma"

We covered a lot of ground in this episode. Here are some highlights:

  • What parents need to know about algorithms and how they work in social media accounts
  • The business model for social media companies and why it's harmful to all of us
  • What it feels like to grow up surrounded by social media - a Gen Z's perspective
  • The Facebook Files and whistleblower Frances Haugen's contributions to this discussion
  • The UK's Age-Appropriate Design Code and how we can leverage it in the US

Links to learn more about this topic

You can watch "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix.

To learn more about ways to take action and access resources from The Social Dilemma, go here.

To access the free 40 minute educator version of the film and resources including discussion guides, go here.

To learn more about the UK's Age-Appropriate Design Code, go here.

Here are links to learn more about 2021 Senate Hearings on the Facebook whistleblower, Facebook/Instagram Files and TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

Unplug and plug in segment

What are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our guest shares her thoughts.

Next Steps

  • Watch "The Social Dilemma"!
  • Talk to your tweens and teens about mental health and the harmful effects of social media. Need help? Here's our workshop.
  • Follow the Unplug & Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
  • Please rate and review our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
  • Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.

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