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 special discussion of the film with director Jeff Orlowski, Stuyvesant Class of 2002, on Wednesday, November 18th at 6pm via Zoom.

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.

Jeff will be interviewed by SHSAA Director Brett Lewis ’02, an entrepreneur and Senior Business Development Manager at Google.

All Stuyvesant alumni are invited to learn more about the making of the film and the issues that are leading tech experts to sound the alarm on the dangerous impacts of social networking, especially in today’s increasingly polarized world.

Tickets are available now for $5 for dues-paying members, and $25 for all other alumni. You can purchase a ticket plus membership at the discounted rate of $50.

Please note: You MUST log into MyStuy to purchase a member ticket. 

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

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.

Brett Lewis ’02 is an executive at Google in New York City focused on Business Development and Partnerships. Prior to working at Google, Brett worked in private equity at Cinven and strategy consulting at Bain & Company. In 2012, Brett co-founded Skillbridge, an online marketplace focused on matching skilled workers to flexible employment, which was acquired by TopTal in 2015. Brett holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MSc from the London School of Economics and a BA from McGill University.

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.