Unveiling the Dark Side: 'Can’t Look Away' Shocks with Social Media's Ruthlessness

In a riveting expose, Bloomberg journalist Olivia Carville takes us behind the scenes of a disturbing reality, as her investigative work sheds light on a small but determined legal team taking on the titans of Silicon Valley. This outcome isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a heartbreaking revelation of how far social media companies might go in their relentless pursuit of growth.

The Harsh Reality of Social Media

The film’s shocking narrative leads viewers into the murky waters of how social media platforms, designed to connect, have instead become playgrounds for peril. According to a Facebook whistleblower, companies view “tweens as herd animals” and behave with alarming cynicism as they seek to hook the impressionable young minds onto their digital drug. This isn’t just speculation—it’s a wake-up call.

An Unyielding Legal Battle

At the center of this storm is the Social Media Victims Law Center, a small yet fiercely dedicated legal group aiming to rescue those ensnared by the shadows of unsupervised online content. From young lives cut short by imitation of dangerous online videos to tragic falls into the traps of digital predators, Carville chronicles the real damage resulting from tech complacency.

Navigating Legal Labyrinths

The documentary highlights the formidable hurdle of section 230 of the 1996 Telecommunication Act. This law provides a protective shield to social media giants against liability for third-party content. As the truth surfaces, the film questions whether these companies should continue to escape accountability when their algorithms push the most vulnerable toward the cliff’s edge.

Is Profit Over People the New Norm?

Trailblazer Matthew Bergman passionately argues that social media companies mirror the remorseless strategies once employed by tobacco corporations, prioritizing profit over user well-being. As lawsuits unfold, the documentary examines whether justice for affected families and systemic change in tech giants’ policies can be achieved.

A Shimmer of Hope

While the documentary does not claim victory over tech Goliaths yet, it showcases a meaningful triumph as the Snapchat case withstands dismissal under section 230. By fighting a legal uphill battle, small victories inspire greater hope for accountability and reform.

A Call to Awareness

‘Can’t Look Away’ is not just a film; it’s an urgent call for societal introspection and change. As suggested by The Guardian, the empowering narrative intricately maps out unsung struggles and the overwhelming odds yet to be conquered in the battle for cyberspace ethics.

This gripping documentary is now available in UK cinemas and on Jolt from 8 August.