Fans say Netflix's 'The Social Dilemma' is more disturbing than any horror film

Netflix. (Courtesy)

A documentary exposing the 'dark side of social media' has been labelled both "distressing" and a "must-watch" by Netflix fans. The Social Dilemma looks at the way in which social media has impacted our lives - and how many of us never consider how closely our every move is being monitored. It dropped on Netflix this week, with the synopsis reading: "This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations."

Experts who have worked for companies including Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter and Instagram all feature, dishing out some pretty ominous warnings. The two-minute trailer sets the tone with sondbites including: "What I want people to know is that everything they are going online is being watched, is being tracked. Every single action you take is carefully monitored and recorded."

"What [people] don't realise is there's entire teams of engineers whose job is to use your psychology against you."

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"I always felt that fundamentally it was a force for good - I don't know if I feel that way anymore."

Viewers said "if you only do one thing today, watch The Social Dilemma" as they encouraged anyone and everyone to watch it - through posts on Twitter.

The Social Dilemma. (Courtesy)

One said: "You need to watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix. It’s mind blowing and honestly.. makes me feel dirty. It’ll make you rethink social media."

A second wrote: "So The Social Dilemma is reality and not a black mirror episode?"

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Another added: "The Social Dilemma is the scariest and most amazing thing I've ever seen on Netflix."

But some warned it's a little too much to handle: "Don't watch The Social Dilemma ... immediate anxiety I’m ready to throw the whole phone away. I feel scammed and like someone's watching me all the time."