Read film assigned, in Netflix.To relate the material in …
Title: Thinking in Film: An Analysis of Critical Thinking and Creativity in “The Social Network”
Introduction:
“The Social Network,” directed by David Fincher, is a compelling film that delves into the creation and subsequent controversies surrounding the social media giant, Facebook. This paper aims to relate the material discussed in Chapter One of the assigned text, “Thinking,” to the film by examining Mark Zuckerberg’s thought process, decision-making, and creativity in establishing Facesmash, a precursor to Facebook. By analyzing Mark’s short-term and long-term goals, critical thinking abilities, and creative endeavors, we can gain insights into how he navigated the challenges and opportunities while building his social networking empire.
Summary of the Film:
“The Social Network” recounts the early days of Facebook’s inception and the legal battles that followed. The film primarily revolves around the central character, Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard student and computer programming genius. After facing a breakup, Mark creates a website called Facesmash, where users can rate the attractiveness of their fellow students based on photos. The success of this crude platform motivates Mark to pursue broader ambitions, leading him to collaborate with his friend, Eduardo Saverin, to establish the groundbreaking social networking platform, Facebook. As Facebook gains popularity, Mark faces lawsuits, accusations of stealing ideas, and strained relationships, ultimately propelling him into the realm of corporate and legal complications.
Mark’s Short-Term and Long-Term Goals:
Mark’s short-term goal in creating Facesmash was to vent his frustrations and gain temporary satisfaction by comparing photos of female students. This superficial objective solely focused on a momentary emotional response without consideration for the broader consequences. However, Mark’s long-term goal was to create a platform that allowed people to connect and share information effortlessly. While the initial motivation behind Facesmash did not align directly with this grand vision, it served as an impetus for Mark to recognize the potential of his abilities in creating a platform that could revolutionize social interaction.
Critical Thinking in Establishing Facesmash:
In establishing Facesmash, Mark engaged in critical thinking to some extent. Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information objectively to arrive at reasoned and logical conclusions. Mark’s decision to create Facesmash was driven by personal frustrations but also showed an understanding of the human need to connect and seek validation. However, Mark’s critical thinking was limited in scope and lacked a comprehensive assessment of the potential ethical and privacy concerns that his creation could raise. While he demonstrated some reasoning and logicality, his thinking remained primarily focused on achieving his immediate desires rather than considering the broader implications of his actions.
Analysis of Mark’s Decision:
Mark’s decision to create Facesmash could have been better analyzed by considering various factors. Firstly, he could have contemplated the potential consequences of using students’ images without their consent and the potential harm that could arise from objectifying individuals based on their appearance. Secondly, Mark could have evaluated the legal and moral implications of his actions, weighing the potential backlash and harm caused to his reputation and the university’s community. By considering these aspects, Mark could have made a more informed decision and potentially avoided some of the legal and ethical challenges that followed.
Creativity in Mark’s Actions:
According to the text, creativity involves generating novel and valuable ideas. In the context of “The Social Network,” Mark’s creativity is evident in his ability to identify a unique feature of human behavior – the desire to connect and compare oneself with others, even superficially. This led to his creation of Facesmash, which attracted significant attention and demonstrated his innovative thinking. However, it is also important to acknowledge that Facesmash was a derivative idea, borrowing elements from existing platforms like Hot or Not. Thus, while Mark displayed some creativity, his vision evolved into a truly revolutionary concept when he went on to create Facebook.
Planning for Facesmash:
If I were to plan the development of Facesmash, I would focus on conducting thorough market research and understanding the potential user base. Additionally, I would ensure that Facesmash’s design and features were tailored to address ethical concerns, such as obtaining explicit consent for using individuals’ images and implementing privacy settings. By incorporating these considerations, I would aim to create a more sustainable and responsible platform.
Relation to Chapter One, “Thinking”:
“The Social Network” aligns with the themes discussed in Chapter One of the assigned text, “Thinking.” It sheds light on Mark’s thought process, decision-making, critical thinking abilities, and creative ideas. The film showcases the complexity of human thinking and the cognitive processes behind entrepreneurial success. By analyzing Mark’s journey, viewers can gain insights into how critical thinking and creativity intertwine to shape innovative ventures.
Conclusion:
“The Social Network” offers a compelling portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg’s thinking, decision-making, and creative process in establishing Facesmash, laying the foundation for Facebook. Mark’s short-term and long-term goals, critical thinking, analysis of decisions, creativity, and planning highlight the complex nature of entrepreneurial undertakings. By analyzing the film through the lens of Chapter One, we gain deeper insights into the interplay between critical thinking and creativity in the realm of business and innovation.