Psychology In Seattle Podcast Is Facebook Evil? (2020 Rerun)
Jan 15, 2026
The hosts dive into the controversial documentary 'The Social Dilemma,' critiquing its sensationalism while acknowledging its educational value. They explore how platforms like Facebook, Google, and Twitter manipulate user attention for profit, creating echo chambers and polarization. Comparing today's media to historical manipulation, they discuss the balance between privacy and convenience. Practical advice on social media usage and the emotional impacts of heavy use are also highlighted, offering insights on connection, self-esteem, and mental health.
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Documentary Uses The Same Tricks It Condemns
- The Social Dilemma uses sensational storytelling that mirrors the manipulation it warns against.
- Kirk and Humberto argue viewers should watch it but remain critical of its own persuasive techniques.
Engagement Incentives Drive Polarization
- Algorithms optimize for engagement and thus prioritize content that provokes fear and outrage.
- That incentive structure can inadvertently amplify polarization and extremism.
Not New — An Accelerated Historical Pattern
- Social manipulation via media is not new; TV, radio, and print have long shaped behavior and beliefs.
- The internet intensifies these dynamics but continues a historical pattern of market-driven influence.