The technology that connects us also controls us.
This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.
The Social Dilemma (2020) is a documentary and drama film directed by Jeff Orlowski, released on January 26, 2020 with a runtime of 1h 34m. It stars Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson and Joe Toscano. Viewers rate it 7.5 out of 10 across 1,842 ratings.
Watch the official trailer for The Social Dilemma before you stream it.
Tristan Harris
as Self
Jeff Seibert
as Self
Bailey Richardson
as Self
Joe Toscano
as Self
Sandy Parakilas
as Self
Guillaume Chaslot
as Self
Lynn Fox
as Self
Aza Raskin
as Self
Alex Roetter
as Self
Tim Kendall
as Self
Justin Rosenstein
as Self
Randy Fernando
as Self
Directed by Jeff Orlowski, written by Davis Coombe, Vickie Curtis and Jeff Orlowski, produced by Larissa Rhodes.
Average viewer score of 7.5/10 from 1,842 ratings.
This documentary thinks it's real cute. You may learn a thing or two, but a lot of the time it feels manipulative and self-righteous. I wish that, instead of portraying the mechanisms of ad-targeting as some kind of sci-fi super villain, they would have shown what truly goes on in the offices of google, facebook, and the like. The evils of manipulating human attention do not need to be sensationalized to look like…
Reviewed on January 7, 2021
The Social Dilemma is a powerful documentary that explores how social media algorithms subtly manipulate user behavior, creating addiction and influencing mental health. Through expert interviews, dramatized simulations, and engaging visuals, it reveals the ethical dilemmas behind profit-driven platforms that often overlook their societal impact. With a balanced and accessible approach, the film encourages viewers…
Reviewed on September 29, 2025
Every now and again I have arguments with my friends about my total lack of engagement with social media. I've never had any of them, and have cookies set to off on just about everything - I even trawl through the hundreds of vendors on Letterboxd and tell them what to do with their "legitimate interest", but after watching this I am begining to wonder if there is, indeed, any safe and comprehensive way to remain…
Reviewed on July 31, 2026
2021
2020
2016
2019
2019
2015
2025
2023
2021
2025
2022
2026
2025
2022
2021
2011
2010
2020
2013
2024
2022
2022
2008
2021
2017
1974
2021
2006
2025
1983
2022
2009
2000
2007
2023
1980
2017
2025
1995
2022
The Social Dilemma (2020) is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
The main cast of The Social Dilemma (2020) includes Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson, Joe Toscano and Sandy Parakilas. The film was directed by Jeff Orlowski. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
The Social Dilemma was released on January 26, 2020 and runs for 1h 34m.
The Social Dilemma (2020) holds an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from 1,842 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary and drama films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
Yes. The official The Social Dilemma trailer is embedded in the trailer section of this page and plays instantly, no download or sign-up required.
