Read or view film assigned, (Netflix).To relate the mater…
Title: Critical Thinking and Creativity in “The Social Network”
Introduction:
“The Social Network” is a 2010 film directed by David Fincher, based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich. The movie explores the creation and early stages of Facebook, focusing on its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. This paper aims to relate the material in Chapter One, “Thinking,” of our text to the film. Specifically, it will address Mark’s short and long term goals in creating Facesmash, his critical thinking abilities in establishing it, his decision analysis, and the level of creativity involved. Additionally, we will consider how thinking is portrayed in the film and its relation to the ideas presented in Chapter One.
Summary of the Film:
“The Social Network” revolves around the story of Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard student, and his journey to creating the social networking giant, Facebook. The film begins with Mark’s creation of a website called Facesmash, where users can compare the attractiveness of Harvard female students. This sparks controversy and attracts a significant number of users, catching the attention of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who approach Mark with the idea of developing a social networking site exclusive to Harvard. Mark, however, embarks on his own project and teams up with his friend, Eduardo Saverin, to create what would ultimately become Facebook. The movie delves into the legal battles, betrayals, and immense success that Facebook ultimately achieves.
Mark’s Short and Long Term Goals in Creating Facesmash:
Mark’s short term goal in creating Facesmash was primarily to attract users and gain attention. By creating a platform where individuals could compare the attractiveness of Harvard female students, he generated buzz and acquired a large user base. In the film, it is evident that Mark was driven by the desire to prove his programming skills and establish himself among his peers.
In terms of long term goals, Facesmash served as a stepping stone for Mark’s larger ambition of creating a successful social networking platform. It showcased his ability to capture user interest, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors with Facebook. Mark’s long term vision was to connect people and provide a platform for social interaction on a global scale. Although Facesmash was a narrower concept, it provided Mark with valuable insights and experiences that were instrumental in shaping his future goals.
Critical Thinking in Establishing Facesmash:
When evaluating whether Mark was thinking critically in establishing Facesmash, it is important to consider the characteristics of critical thinking. Critical thinking involves actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make informed decisions. In the film, Mark’s decision to create Facesmash can be seen as a product of impulsive thinking, fueled by a desire for recognition and success. While his programming skills were impressive, he did not adequately consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of his actions.
Mark’s decision to create Facesmash was driven by a relatively narrow focus on attracting users and proving his competence. He did not engage in a comprehensive evaluation of the ethical concerns associated with the website. In this sense, Mark’s thinking can be characterized as lacking the depth and breadth typically associated with critical thinking.