The rise of social media has created extraordinary new ways to connect and share ideas worldwide. But now that these platforms are such a part of our daily lives, is there more we should know about the way they seem to know exactly what products, news and content will appeal to us, or even trigger us?

The new Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma has been generating buzz since its premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival for its exploration of how algorithms designed to get our attention, make us buy things, and like and share content can have a dangerous impact on our mental health, and even lead us to buy into distorted versions of ourselves, each other, and the world.

Join us for a movie watch of the film in preparation of our event with director Jeff Orlowski ’02 the following week.

Through first-hand interviews with tech industry experts, The Social Dilemma explores problematic trends that have emerged as a result of our increasing dependence on social media, including issues of surveillance, data mining, and mental health as well as its role in spreading conspiracy theories and other misinformation.

All Stuyvesant alumni are invited to come watch! The event is free to join, but you must register in advance and have your own Netflix account.

Current Stuyvesant students can join this event as well. Please email us at [email protected] for details on how to join.

If you plan to join us, register at the link above, as we will be directly emailing the link to join the Netflix Party shortly before the movie starts. This link is needed to be able to join the chat.

To join, you will need the following:

• The Google Chrome browser (download here)
• The Netflix Party (now Teleparty) Chrome extension (download here)
• An active Netflix subscription (see here)

Important information about joining a Netflix Party

Shortly before the movie starts, we will email all registrants the link to join the Netflix Party. Once you go to the link, you’ll click the “TP” icon to the right of your URL bar, and you’ll be able to text chat with the group to the right of the screen and can comment amongst each other as we watch the movie. Please note that all comments must be kept tasteful.

Jeff Orlowski ’02 is the director, producer, and cinematographer of the award-winning films Chasing Coral and Chasing Ice. Chasing Coral received the US Documentary Audience Award at Sundance in 2017. Chasing Ice received the Documentary Cinematography award at Sundance in 2012 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Both films were shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary, screened at Congress and the United Nations, and have garnered awards and accolades from film festivals around the globe. Jeff founded Exposure Labs, a production company dedicated to impact through film. His latest film, The Social Dilemma, had its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

If you have any questions, reach out to [email protected]. The Stuyvesant High School Alumni Association office is currently unable to take phone calls to our main line. Please email us to schedule a phone call.