As SEA Inc. staff members Angelic, Annaliza, Gideon, and volunteer Anne Loren watched The Social Dilemma, each walked away with a new perspective on social media’s powerful, invisible grip on our lives. The film, which explores the unintended consequences of our hyper-connected world, hit close to home for the team. Working in an organization that champions empowerment and collaboration, they saw both the immense potential of social media as a tool for positive change and the risks it brings to mental health, real-life relationships, and even society’s shared values. Here are their insights on navigating this double-edged sword.

Angelic’s Reflection: The Algorithmic “Invisible Hand”

For Angelic, The Social Dilemma was a revelation. She realized that social media isn’t just a tool we use, but is actively shaping our thoughts, interests, and beliefs. It does so through powerful algorithms that “get to know” us, feeding us more of what we respond to—whether we realize it or not. As she puts it, social media has become a kind of “invisible hand” that subtly steers our decisions and even shapes our worldviews.

Angelic’s concern for the mental health implications of social media also resonated deeply. The documentary shed light on the worrying rise of anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, who are often hooked on the validation cycles of likes, shares, and comments. For SEA Inc., which seeks to uplift communities and nurture individual empowerment, this revelation was a stark reminder of the delicate balance needed in using these platforms. SEA Inc. is committed to mindfulness in its online presence, focusing on content that informs and uplifts, rather than hooks and divides.

Analiza’s Insight: Echo Chambers and the Amplification of Emotion

Analiza saw the documentary as a look into how social media taps into and amplifies human emotions, often in ways that can distort our perceptions of reality. In her view, social media serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass, amplifying our desires, fears, and even our darkest instincts. Platforms encourage us not just to share but to compare, compete, and occasionally confront, creating a fertile ground for misunderstandings and envy.

For Analiza, The Social Dilemma also highlighted the “tribal” nature of social media, where echo chambers breed a sense of solidarity but also division. When people surround themselves with like-minded voices, disagreements with outsiders quickly escalate into hostile “us versus them” dynamics. This presents a challenge for SEA Inc., whose mission is to foster inclusion and cooperation across diverse communities. Social media can help SEA Inc. spread its message, but the organization must be vigilant in ensuring that its platforms remain spaces for respectful dialogue and collaboration, rather than divisive echo chambers.

Anne Loren’s Takeaways: Reclaiming Control in a Digital World

Volunteer Anne Loren brought a refreshingly practical perspective to the conversation, seeing The Social Dilemma as a call to action. She reflected on how social media can rob us of quality time with loved ones, impact our psychological well-being, and even influence political opinions. Anne emphasized that, despite the power of these platforms, we can still reclaim control through small, intentional steps.

Her recommendations are simple but effective: turn off non-essential notifications, delete apps that consume too much time, and consciously limit screen time. She also pointed out a hard truth from the documentary: if we think social media is free, we’re wrong—our attention is the product. These platforms track our behavior, interests, and even our emotions to keep us hooked. Yet, as Anne reminded us, we hold the responsibility to use social media mindfully, shaping our experience instead of letting it shape us.

Gideon’s Reflection: SEA Inc.’s Advocacy Beyond Partner Communities

Gideon offered a broader perspective on how the conversation about social media impacts not just SEA Inc.’s partner communities, but also their wider circle of friends and relatives. He highlighted that SEA Inc.’s advocacy extends beyond the official projects to influence personal relationships, reinforcing how we all must be mindful of our digital interactions in our day-to-day lives.

Gideon noted that social media’s reach can have a profound impact on both our professional and personal spheres. He emphasized that although we may be focused on empowering communities, we must also pay attention to how social media affects the relationships we hold dear—whether it’s fostering healthy, supportive connections or leading us into deeper divides. For SEA Inc., this means not just promoting advocacy in communities but also within our circles, ensuring that our relationships reflect the values of respect, mindfulness, and mutual support.

SEA Inc.: Embracing Social Media with Purpose and Accountability

The Social Dilemma has left SEA Inc. with a renewed commitment to using social media thoughtfully. While social platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for SEA Inc. to connect with communities, share knowledge, and mobilize action, they also demand a high level of accountability and awareness. Going forward, SEA Inc. plans to focus on authentic engagement, balancing the benefits of social media with the responsibility to nurture genuine, offline interactions within communities.

Instead of allowing algorithms to dictate our message, SEA Inc. is determined to use social media as a tool for growth, collaboration, and empowerment. By centering our content around substance, inclusivity, and respect, SEA Inc. can help create a more balanced digital space where people feel encouraged, not manipulated.

As Angelic, Annaliza, Anne Loren, and Gideon have learned, navigating the digital world is a challenge we can all rise to meet. Together, let’s transform our online experience from one that exploits to one that uplifts, using these powerful platforms not to divide, but to unite us in our shared mission for a better world.