Watch Frontline: The Facebook Dilemma

Frontline: The Facebook Dilemma is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary produced by PBS and available through the Amazon Addon service. At its core, the show explores the complex and often troubling impact that Facebook--one of the world's largest and most powerful social media platforms--has had on society, democracy, and human relationships.

The documentary is divided into two parts, each roughly an hour long. Drawing on interviews with dozens of expert sources and investigative journalism techniques, the show takes viewers on a riveting journey through the history of Facebook, from its humble origins in a Harvard dorm room to its current status as a global behemoth with more than two billion monthly active users.

In the first part of the documentary, viewers are introduced to the key players involved in Facebook's rise to power, including founder Mark Zuckerberg and other company executives. The show traces Facebook's growth through its early years, focusing on the ways in which the platform was able to infiltrate and dominate the social media landscape by offering users a seemingly simple way to connect with one another.

But as Facebook's user base grew, so too did the company's problems. The documentary explores in detail the ways in which Facebook's business model operates, highlighting the role that user data plays in generating revenue for the company. From targeted advertising to algorithmic news feeds, the show reveals how Facebook's data-driven approach has led to a range of unintended consequences, from the proliferation of fake news to breaches of user privacy.

Throughout the first part of the documentary, viewers are introduced to a range of experts who shed light on the various challenges posed by Facebook's immense power. For example, the show features interviews with academic researchers who have studied the effects of social media on mental health, as well as political scientists who have analyzed the role that Facebook plays in shaping public opinion and influencing elections.

The second part of the documentary delves even deeper into Facebook's troubles, focusing on the company's controversial response to a range of crises that have emerged over the past several years. From the Cambridge Analytica scandal to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the show exposes the various ways in which Facebook has come under fire for its handling of sensitive information and its role in shaping public discourse.

One of the key themes that emerges throughout the second half of the documentary is the extent to which Facebook has sought to downplay its role in these controversies. From Zuckerberg's now-infamous testimony before Congress to the company's repeated promises to "do better," the show reveals how Facebook has grappled with its own power and the consequences of its actions.

Ultimately, Frontline: The Facebook Dilemma is a sobering and powerful look at one of the most significant social and technological developments of our time. By exploring the ways in which Facebook has impacted our society, our politics, and our personal lives, the show raises important questions about the role of technology in our modern world--and what we can do to ensure that it serves the common good. Whether you're a die-hard social media addict or a skeptic of digital technology, this documentary is sure to leave you with plenty to think about.

Frontline: The Facebook Dilemma is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between October 29, 2020 and on Amazon Addon