in.the.BINK.of.an.eye

The post below is a very thoughtful articulation of why The Social Network is not entirely the zeitgeist movie it has largely been lauded for being.  Why, you ask?  Because it doesn’t survey both the pros and cons of technologically-mediated communication.  The film’s primary flaw is that it does not once give credence to the potential (and proven) benefits of virtual formats of socializing in the actual realm of human interaction.  What the film does succeed so well at capturing are the negative drives to capitalize on the phenomenon of social networking - in this case, the dynamic duo of insecurity and greed.  Thus, The Social Network perpetuates the assumption - largely held by both those outside “the social network” and jaded insiders of it - that such methods of socializing are inherently and collectively unhealthy.  While virtual terrain is evolving with increasing speed and is pervading many more aspects of our daily lives, as with any method of communication, it is only as positive or negative as the communities of individuals who use it and what they use it for.  Technology is, after all, just a medium.  Even communication in the age of technocracy can be utilized for creating and connecting with one another in genuine and fulfilling ways.  Many of the current radical societal shifts happening around the world - most notably right now in Egypt - exemplify how the will of people to unite is a catalyst that can ultimately supercede any communicative medium.  Technology is only a barrier when one becomes enslaved to it from without, rather than enabling it to channel one’s thoughts and feelings from within.  While such truths may not necessarily make for compelling cinema like The Social Network, it is the reality for many whose choice it is to responsibly integrate such tools into their lives.  This makes the possibilities of genuine connection and revolution all the more exciting.

Thank you, Mr. Gordon-Levitt, for this dialogue. 

hitrecordjoe:

The Social Network & My Generation
an open letter to my friend Peter Travers

Peter,

Hey man! So, I finally watched The Social Network the other night, and today I read your review of it, curious about your claim that this film defines my generation. First let me say, I agree that…