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regular-article-logo Wednesday, 08 May 2024

The Social Network writer Aaron Sorkin hints at working on film that may assess Facebook’s impact on society

The 2010 hit starring Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg won Sorkin an Oscar for best adapted screenplay

Agnivo Niyogi Calcutta Published 27.04.24, 01:01 PM
Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin Getty Images

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has hinted that he is working on a new film that could assess the impact of Facebook on society. However, Sorkin refused to disclose if it would serve as a direct sequel to his acclaimed 2010 documentary drama The Social Network.

In the latest episode of The Town podcast, Sorkin discussed the impact of Facebook and social media on democracy since the release of his 2010 hit.

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“I'll definitely be delving into this,” Sorkin said while talking to hosts Matthew Belloni and Peter Hamby. “I hold Facebook responsible for January 6th,” he added.

When questioned why he blamed a social media platform for the storming of the US Capitol, Sorkin responded, “You'll have to grab a movie ticket for that answer.”

Pressed further on whether he's working on this concept specifically for the big screen, Sorkin replied, “I’m trying. Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible. Because that is what will increase engagement. That is what will get you to — what they call inside the hallways of Facebook — ‘the infinite scroll’ … There’s supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isn’t. There’s just growth.”

“If Mark Zuckerberg woke up tomorrow morning and realised there is nothing you can buy for USD 120 billion that you can’t buy for USD 119 billion dollars, ‘So how about if I make a little bit less money? I will tune up integrity and tune down growth.’ Yes, you can do that by switching a one to a zero,” The West Wing creator added.

When the hosts asked him whether the film will be a direct sequel to The Social Network, Sorkin declined to comment, pointing at his publicist.

The Social Network starred Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and earned eight Oscar nominations. It won three Oscars for adapted screenplay, editing and original score. The film was a box office hit that minted USD 224 million at the worldwide box office.

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