The Construction of Social Media Realityin The Social Dilemma Film (2020)

Abstract

This research explores the construction of social media reality in the documentary film "The Social
Dilemma" by applying Robert N. Entman's framing theory. With a focus on descriptive qualitative
approach, the study aims to understand how the film presents, constructs, and conveys the reality of social
media usage. Framing analysis involves four main concepts: defining problems, diagnosing causes, making
moral judgments, and treatment recommendations. The findings highlight that the film sharply
emphasizes the negative impact of social media polarization, especially concerning information
uncertainty and the risk of misinformation, using narrative and dramatization. The film summarizes
concrete solutions, including reducing notifications, disabling applications, and limiting screen time, to
address the adverse effects of social media. Thus, this research provides profound insights into the
construction of social media reality and underscores the urgency of regulating and ethically evaluating
algorithms in digital technology.