In a groundbreaking documentary series set to premiere on FX and Hulu in late September 2024, filmmaker Lauren Greenfield offers an unprecedented glimpse into the digital lives of today's teenagers. "Social Studies" follows a diverse group of Los Angeles teens throughout a school year, providing a raw and unfiltered view of their experiences with social media.
The series begins with a poignant scene: a group of teenagers gathered in a library, their phones left outside. When asked about the absence of their devices, responses ranged from feeling "liberated" to admitting they "keep subconsciously trying to reach for it." This moment encapsulates the complex relationship many teens have with social media—a theme that runs throughout the documentary.
Greenfield's approach to the project was unique. She allowed the teens to lead the narrative, screen-recording their private phone activity and sharing intimate reflections. This method provides viewers with a firsthand account of the issues these digital natives face daily, including cyberbullying, mental health struggles, and online predators.
The documentary comes at a crucial time, as concerns about social media's impact on youth mental health continue to grow. In 2022, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued an advisory about the effects of social media on children's developing brains. This concern has led to an increasing number of schools banning cellphones on campus to minimize distractions.
One of the most surprising revelations from the series is that many of the teens expressed a preference for living without social media, likening their generation's experience to their parents'. This sentiment highlights the paradoxical nature of social media for many young people—a tool they feel trapped by, yet struggle to abandon due to fear of missing out (FOMO).
The documentary also sheds light on disturbing trends, such as the proliferation of BDSM content and the romanticization of mental illness on social media platforms. These findings underscore the need for better regulation and algorithm redesign to create safer online spaces for young users.
"The experts and the research into social media is really important, but I also really felt like the kids are actually the experts; they're on the front lines, and so I wanted them to be the voices here."
Greenfield's work doesn't just expose problems; it aims to facilitate solutions. The series comes with a parent guide including discussion questions, encouraging open conversations between parents and teens about social media use. By bringing these issues to light, "Social Studies" hopes to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about digital well-being and push for necessary changes in the social media landscape.
As we approach the premiere of "Social Studies," it's clear that this documentary will offer valuable insights into the digital world our youth navigate daily. It serves as a crucial tool for understanding, discussion, and potentially, change in how we approach social media use among younger generations.