The Why
This is a film about a dysfunctional codependent relationship we have quietly come to accept as inevitable: our relationship with our smartphones.
Like all toxic relationships, we know that it comes at a cost: With one foot in cyberspace at all times, our attention is divided. The quality of our work suffers, our relationships feel superficial. We let algorithms dictate our shopping habits, and radicalize our thinking. We are at risk of losing the very essence of what makes us human.
Yet, we are told that for better or worse, phones are here to stay. And they are getting increasingly integrated into every second of our lives.
This film invites us to explore an alternative technology future. How can we rework our relationship to our phones into something that serves us? How can technology create space for genuine connection? And what solutions already exist that each of us can implement right now to achieve a more focused and fulfilling life?
The Big Tech Takeover – with filmmaker Sara Robin
Digital Minimalism, Social Media & Taking Back Control | Interview with Filmmaker Sara Robin
The How
The documentary will explore how constant connectivity through digital technology has come to shape the way we think, feel, and relate to each other. And we will showcase attempts to demand back control over our attention.
We follow the radical journey of people fighting for freedom from algorithmic control. Our exploration will take us from a grieving mom taking on Big Tech, to a young content creator reinventing Social Media, and a young artist challenging herself to commit to Digital Minimalism.
Through the lens of leading tech insiders, psychologists, researchers, and advocates, the film will investigate how unregulated digital tech threatens to erode our capacity to think, feel, and connect with each other – and how we can harness our personal habits, tech design choices, and new regulatory frameworks to put technology in the service of humanity.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: Our very humanity is for sale to the highest bidder in the marketplace of our surveillance-capitalist attention economy.
Do we have the tools and power to turn the tides?
Quit social media | Dr. Cal Newport | TEDxTysons
Impact
We are showcasing people who rethink their relationship to technology, and that raises the obvious question: Are we suggesting everybody should ditch their phone and move into the woods? Not exactly.
We believe that technology can be hugely beneficial, if it’s designed and used to serve our purpose. However, as it stands technology is designed to addict, manipulate, and maximize profit – not to promote human advancement.
Given this status quo, we believe that we must make conscious decisions how to engage with technology, so that we can reap its benefits while minimizing its harmful effects.
We believe that it’s better to use technology, than letting it use us.
The Flip Phone Manifesto | David Amadio | TEDxLincolnUniversity
