A new documentary, 'Your Attention Please', which explores the human cost of technology addiction and efforts to combat it, is available to rent or own from 6 October.
The film highlights how social media companies like Meta and TikTok financially benefit from keeping users engaged. Director Sara Robin notes that the business model encourages extreme behaviours because they are more attention-grabbing.
The documentary features Kristin Bride, who became an online safety advocate after her 16-year-old son, Carson, died by suicide in 2020 following cyberbullying. Bride is shown fighting for social media reform, including testifying before Congress and pushing for legislation such as the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which stalled after passing in the Senate in 2024.
Experts, including former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy, who has called for tobacco-style warning labels on social media platforms, are also interviewed. The film suggests that social media is not only dangerous for children but for adults too, describing it as designed to feel like 'slipping into a warm bath' that can lead to hours passing unnoticed.
Robin and Bride hope the documentary will prompt individuals to confront their phone addictions and social media usage, as well as serve as a call to action for broader cultural and legislative changes.