Social Media Addiction Explained Through Film

“How much is too much?” The central frame of my creative work tackles this question through the lens of queerness, addiction, isolation, and self-identity, giving an unfiltered voice to today’s youth. Social Media’s negative effects go deeper than the usual anecdotes of decline in sleep quality, physical activity, and attention span. The ramifications of a negative mental headspace are often overshadowed by flashy promises and a false sense of belonging. The societal impact is especially influenced due to the malleability of the adolescent brain. In 2022, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13 to 17 claimed to use social media, and about a third use it “almost constantly.” I am creating a 5-12 minute narrative short film that dramatizes the often-overlooked, harmful undercurrents of social media. To evoke a visceral response, we’ll employ avant-garde cinematic techniques, including extreme short lenses, dynamic gimbal shots, dutch-angle dolly movements, and inventive compositions. The sound design will feature heavy emphasis on folly, synthetic scoring and highly edited vocals to underscore the artificial humanism on the piece. Gen Z has an indulgence in escapism media, often featuring glamorized characters. The plot draws viewers into a captivating relationship between the protagonist and the seductive allure of a character that personifies social media. This charismatic presence slowly reveals its darker, addictive qualities, prompting the viewer to confront the question: “What happens when desire gives way to dependency?” As a queer college student in my early 20s, I rarely see films that address the issues my peers and I face with genuine authenticity. By bringing an authentic perspective to these complex themes, this project aims not only to resonate deeply with audiences, but also to spark conversations that challenge the normalization of technology addiction. Sources: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide https://www.zippia.com/film-maker-jobs/demographics/