Is 'The Social Network' a Reflection of Our Narcissistic Society?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the film 'The Social Network' and its reflection on societal issues, particularly narcissism and the impact of technology on employment and the economy. Participants express varied opinions on the film's quality and its relevance to broader economic themes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a negative view of the film, suggesting it highlights issues in a narcissistic society and reflects on personal dissatisfaction with life.
  • Another participant counters that Facebook has created jobs, questioning the initial critique of the film's implications on employment.
  • Some participants sarcastically suggest that without Facebook, societal problems would be solved, indicating a sense of irony in the discussion.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality and relevance of technology jobs created by companies like Facebook, with claims that they are selective and do not compensate for jobs lost in other sectors.
  • There is a debate about whether the film should be critiqued based on its economic implications or if it should be appreciated for its narrative about the creation of a widely used social platform.
  • Several participants argue that the film's connection to economic issues is tenuous, suggesting that critiques of the film are more about technology's role in society than the film itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus. There are competing views on the film's merit, its societal implications, and the role of technology in job creation, leading to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing assumptions about the relationship between technology, employment, and societal values, with some focusing on the film's narrative while others emphasize its economic context.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in film critique, societal reflections on technology, and discussions about employment trends in the tech industry may find this discussion relevant.

elfboy
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Despite my reluctance my friend insisted i watch and as as expected i left the theater feeling a slightly less whole person. This movie is not only represents what's wrong with our own narcissistic society but reminded me how dull my own life life was. It's fun watching movies about rich people when they lose everything, get shot with poison arrows (avatar) or drown (Titanic) but that's certainly not the case here. anyway, score one for the richers..stock market making new highs, no job creation, unemployment at 9%, students burdened with huge debt, state governments slashing budgets despite unchanged tax revenue, huge deficits to pay for things that don't benefit anyone..we still got our facebook though.

so while the production was good i hated this movie
 
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Well in fairness, Facebook created jobs. So I don't know what your beef is with that.
 
Yup, if Facebook didn't exist, everyone would be happy and cancer would be cured.
 
I can see the demotivational poster now:

"Facebook, holding the world back since 2004!"
 
jarednjames said:
Well in fairness, Facebook created jobs. So I don't know what your beef is with that.

very few, and very selective jobs relative to the millions lost in the recession
technology is about losing jobs for profits, not making them
 
So a company, completely unrelated to the recession, that created jobs during a recession (regardless of how few) is a bad thing?

And just so you're aware, the technology is what made Facebook possible, creating the jobs. So both your arguments above are pretty irrelevant.
 
elfboy said:
very few, and very selective jobs relative to the millions lost in the recession
technology is about losing jobs for profits, not making them

What? Are you seriously trying to make this argument or is this meant to be an ironic statement?
 
jarednjames said:
So a company, completely unrelated to the recession, that created jobs during a recession (regardless of how few) is a bad thing?

And just so you're aware, the technology is what made Facebook possible, creating the jobs. So both your arguments above are pretty irrelevant.

many technology jobs come at the expense of less skilled jobs. This 'social network' despite its huge valuation employs relatively few people compared to an assembly line. The later type jobs have been leaving the country and technology isn't doing a good job filling the void.

The US labor poor has actually shrunk in the past decade.
 
But what does that have to do with Facebook? Why does the value of Facebook give you a problem? Surely an nice high value company like that generates a lot of tax revenue for the government?

Would you prefer to not have Facebook and have all the current unemployed plus the Facebook staff unemployed plus a lack of tax income from them? That's rock solid logic right there.

And we're not even on to your technology issue yet.
 
  • #10
What is the argument? Is the social network a bad movie because it wasn't about something that created more job?

It was a movie about the drama behind the creation of a social engine that practically everyone uses. I think it was a good movie.

Who cares how it relates to the economy?

Push for the making of a movie about Henry Ford and the assembly line.
 
  • #11
Pattonias said:
What is the argument? Is the social network a bad movie because it wasn't about something that created more job?

But that's just it, even the film provided tax income and jobs for people.
Who cares how it relates to the economy?

Aside from the above, it doesn't link to the economy in anyway. The OP is just using it as a jumping off point to attack technology - as he sits posting on PF.
 
  • #12
elfboy said:
...This movie is not only represents what's wrong with our own narcissistic society but reminded me how dull my own life life was...
I agree...

Almost all movies made now are complete trash... Nothing much good to watch anymore [PLAIN]https://www.physicsforums.com/images/icons/icon9.gif
 
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  • #13
Dude111 said:
I agree...

Almost all movies made now are complete trash... Nothing much good to watch anymore [PLAIN]https://www.physicsforums.com/images/icons/icon9.gif[/QUOTE]

Aside from the being completely subjective, I don't see what this has to do with Facebook.

What exactly were you expecting from a film about the making of Facebook? An introduction to MySpace and how it began or perhaps a nice piece on charity in South Africa?
 
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