The Social Dilemma (2020) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.
Rated PG-13 • 2020 • 1h 34m
The Social Dilemma is a documentary-drama hybrid that earns its PG-13 rating for its mature and unsettling thematic content. The film argues that social media platforms are a dangerous force, using interviews with tech experts and a fictional story about a teen named Ben to illustrate points about addiction, manipulation, and mental health. Parents should be aware of direct discussions about the sharp rise in teen depression… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Social Dilemma appropriate for kids?
The Social Dilemma is a documentary-drama hybrid that earns its PG-13 rating for its mature and unsettling thematic content. The film argues that social media platforms are a dangerous force, using interviews with tech experts and a fictional story about a teen named Ben to… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Social Dilemma
What happens in The Social Dilemma, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:19 🍷 Substances 1/10
Sex and nudity in The Social Dilemma
There is no sexual content. A passing reference may be made to online exploitation in the context of broad societal harms, but there are no scenes with sexual situations, innuendo, or nudity.
Violence and gore in The Social Dilemma
Violence is mild and consists entirely of real-world news footage. There are several montages showing riots and civil unrest, with scenes of police clashing with protestors. One particularly impactful scene includes a brief news clip with blurred, non-graphic images of covered dead bodies in the context of discussing misinformation fueling a genocide. A fictional teen character is briefly detained by police at a protest, but the scuffle is not graphic.
Language in The Social Dilemma
Language is very light for a PG-13 rating. There are two uses of "shit" and occasional mild words like "hell" and exclamatory uses of "God."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Social Dilemma
A single brief scene shows adults drinking wine with dinner. There is no other substance use.
Mature themes in The Social Dilemma
This is the film's core and why it is rated PG-13. It explores heavy topics including technology addiction, corporate manipulation for profit, the decline of mental health (anxiety, depression), body dysmorphia, and the documented rise in teen self-harm and suicide. The film also delves into political polarization, the spread of dangerous misinformation ("fake news"), and the potential for large-scale societal collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Social Dilemma appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Social Dilemma is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Social Dilemma is a documentary-drama hybrid that earns its PG-13 rating for its mature and unsettling thematic content. The film argues that social media platforms are a dangerous force, using interviews with tech…
What age rating does The Social Dilemma have?
The Social Dilemma is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Social Dilemma about?
The Social Dilemma is a documentary-drama hybrid that earns its PG-13 rating for its mature and unsettling thematic content. The film argues that social media platforms are a dangerous force, using interviews with tech experts and a fictional story about a teen named Ben to illustrate points about addiction…
Is there sex or nudity in The Social Dilemma?
There is no sexual content. A passing reference may be made to online exploitation in the context of broad societal harms, but there are no scenes with sexual situations, innuendo, or nudity.
How violent is The Social Dilemma?
Violence is mild and consists entirely of real-world news footage. There are several montages showing riots and civil unrest, with scenes of police clashing with protestors. One particularly impactful scene includes a brief news clip with blurred, non-graphic…
Is the language in The Social Dilemma appropriate for kids?
Language is very light for a PG-13 rating. There are two uses of "shit" and occasional mild words like "hell" and exclamatory uses of "God."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Social Dilemma?
A single brief scene shows adults drinking wine with dinner. There is no other substance use.
What mature themes appear in The Social Dilemma?
This is the film's core and why it is rated PG-13. It explores heavy topics including technology addiction, corporate manipulation for profit, the decline of mental health (anxiety, depression), body dysmorphia, and the documented rise in teen self-harm and…
How long is The Social Dilemma?
The Social Dilemma runs 94 minutes, directed by Jeff Orlowski, released in 2020.
Where can I read the full The Social Dilemma parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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