Generation Like is an eye-opening documentary that offers a unique insight into the rapidly changing culture of social media. Released in 2014, the film follows a group of teenagers whose lives are increasingly bound up in the need for validation from strangers online. It also delves into the dark side of this phenomenon, exploring how online bullying, unhealthy body image ideals and corporate manipulation have all become part and parcel of modern day life.
The film provides a vivid look at how easy it is to become addicted to likes, follows and retweets—and how this addiction has led to teens becoming corporate influencers who rake in millions of dollars from sponsorships and video views. It’s not uncommon for these influencers to gain profits from posts that are extreme or demeaning; with self-empowerment having become yet another tool for corporations to make money.
Generation Like also sheds light on the psychological effects of such a lifestyle, highlighting the perils that come with relying on likes as an indicator of self-worth and showing how young audiences have been taken in by these promises. It’s an issue that needs urgent attention given its prevalence among today’s youth—with some people already hooked on social media since childhood now becoming corporate heads in their early twenties.
From interviewing journalists and advertising experts to exploring everyday kids’ experiences, Generation Like offers an honest analysis of what it means to be famous in our modern world—one where anyone can quickly achieve celebrity status with just one viral post. And while it is largely an upbeat take on current cultural trends, it doesn’t shy away from presenting some uncomfortable truths along the way—such as eighth graders posing for bikini shots in order to gain more likes.
For those looking to better understand our ever-evolving digital age, Generation Like is an essential watch. By observing youngsters who are immersed in technology every day, viewers can draw their own conclusions about where society stands now—and what we must do going forward if we want our future generations to thrive without such negative influences.
