MOVIE REVIEW: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

SUBMITTED BY: HARSH UPADHYAY

UID No. UGB22-17

B.B.A LL. B (Hons.)

SEMESTER -III
ACADEMIC SESSION: 2023-24

SUBMITTED TO: DR. DEESHA KHAIRE

(ASSOSICATE PROFESSOR OF LAW)

MAHARASHTRA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, NAGPUR

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 INTRODUCTION

Courtesy, Universal Studios

"The Social Network," directed by David Fincher, is a captivating and thought-provoking

film released in 2010. This cinematic masterpiece immerses viewers in the extraordinary tale
of the creation and ascent of Facebook, one of the most influential and transformative
technological innovations of our time. The movie explores the profound application of
technology, shedding light on the birth of the world's largest social networking platform and
the remarkable impact it had on society. As we embark on this cinematic journey, we will
navigate through the intricate web of storytelling woven by David Fincher. We will dissect
how "The Social Network" masterfully portrays both the constructive use and the potential
misuse of technology, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of ambition, friendship, and betrayal.

In the absence of the technology application showcased in the film, we will ponder an
alternative storyline where the course of events might have taken a different turn,
highlighting the significant role technology played in shaping the lives of the characters.
Moreover, the movie prompts us to contemplate the multifaceted issues that arise from the
use of technology, spanning the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, the ethical
quandaries surrounding intellectual property and privacy, the societal shifts in the digital age,
the economic disparities it engenders, and the political implications of powerful tech
companies. In the real world, we are compelled to examine the legal ramifications of the
events portrayed in the film, touching upon intellectual property disputes, privacy concerns,
contract law, and corporate governance. We will assess whether existing legal frameworks are
equipped to address these issues and, if not, consider the need for potential legal reform in an
ever-evolving technological landscape."The Social Network" is not just a cinematic
achievement but also a reflection of the profound impact technology has on our lives,
relationships, and the very fabric of our society. As we dissect this compelling narrative, we

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will explore the multifaceted dimensions of the film's portrayal of technology, ethics, and the
law.

What application of technology is depicted in the movie?

"The Social Network," directed by David Fincher, revolves around the creation and rise of
Facebook, the world's largest social networking platform. The movie depicts the development
and application of technology in the form of a social media website, initially known as "The
Facebook."

 Creation of Facebook: The central focus of "The Social Network" is the development
of Facebook, which was founded by Mark Zuckerberg while he was a student at
Harvard. The film chronicles how Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, conceived
the idea of creating an online social networking platform. This technology application
allowed users to create personal profiles, connect with friends, share information,
photos, and interests, and interact with others in a virtual environment.

 Coding and Programming: The movie also delves into the technical aspects of
technology. It shows how Zuckerberg, along with his close associates, wrote the code
for Facebook, showcasing the programming and software development that
underpinned the platform. This aspect of the technology application is depicted as
essential for the success of Facebook.

 Scalability and User Growth: As Facebook gains popularity, it highlights the scaling
of technology to accommodate millions of users. The rapid growth of the platform
emphasizes the importance of efficient technology infrastructure and server capacity
to support the increasing user base.

"The Social Network" effectively captures the transformative power of technology, not only
in terms of its initial creation but also in its broader societal impact. It serves as a compelling
example of how a single technological innovation can reshape the way we communicate,
socialize, and conduct business, making it a key element in the success of the film's narrative.

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 Whether the movie portrays use or misuse of technology?

The movie portrays both the use and misuse of technology. On one hand, technology, in the
form of Facebook, serves as a groundbreaking platform that connects people and
revolutionizes social interaction. On the other hand, it also portrays the legal disputes and
ethical dilemmas stemming from alleged theft of ideas, intellectual property disputes, privacy
concerns, and the manipulation of social connections for personal gain.

"The Social Network" provides a fascinating exploration of the use and potential misuse of
technology, presenting a nuanced and intricate perspective on how technology can be a
double-edged sword:

Use of Technology

 Positive Impact: At the heart of the film is the positive use of technology. Mark
Zuckerberg's creation of Facebook demonstrates how technology can bring people
closer together, enabling them to connect, share, and communicate with friends and
acquaintances. The film showcases how Facebook revolutionized social interactions
by making them more accessible, dynamic, and engaging.

 Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The film highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and
innovation that fuel the technology industry. Mark Zuckerberg's drive and vision are
portrayed as instrumental in creating a platform that would transform the way people
communicate, paving the way for countless social networking sites and tech startups
that followed.

 Technological Advancement: The film underscores the potential for technology to

disrupt traditional industries, evidenced by the impact Facebook had on traditional

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 media and advertising. It underscores the transformative power of tech innovations in
reshaping the economic landscape.

Misuse of Technology

 Ethical Dilemmas: "The Social Network" also portrays the ethical dilemmas that arise
when technology is misused. The movie delves into the allegations of idea theft and
intellectual property disputes, questioning the ethics of betraying friends and
colleagues for personal gain. The legal battles and ethical conflicts demonstrate that
the same technology can be a source of discord and mistrust.

 Privacy Concerns: The film alludes to privacy concerns regarding the creation and
sharing of personal information on Facebook. This foreshadows the ongoing debates
around data privacy and user consent, where the misuse of personal data for profit or
political influence has raised significant ethical questions.

 Manipulation of Social Connections: It subtly hints at the manipulation of social

connections and the potential for technology to be used for less noble purposes, such
as creating and exploiting personal relationships for professional or personal gain.

"The Social Network" offers a powerful reflection on how technology, while enabling
progress and innovation, can also be fraught with ethical and moral dilemmas when its
potential is misused. It underscores the need for responsible and ethical tech entrepreneurship
and the importance of robust legal and ethical frameworks to govern the use of technology in
our rapidly evolving digital age.

What could be the storyline/plot/climax of the movie if technology application was not
used/misused in the way it was done in the movie?

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Without the pivotal technology application of Facebook, "The Social Network" could have
explored an entirely different plotline, focusing on alternative themes and character
dynamics:

 Friendship and Ambition: The film could have centred around the enduring
friendships of Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, and the Winklevoss twins without
the backdrop of a social media startup. It might delve into their shared experiences at
Harvard, their dreams, and aspirations, and the challenges they face in pursuing
success in a more conventional way.

 Academic Pursuits: In the absence of Facebook, the characters may have remained
focused on their academic pursuits, potentially leading to intellectual discoveries and
achievements within their respective fields of study. The storyline could revolve
around their academic competitions, research projects, and personal growth.

 Interpersonal Relationships: A technology-free plot might emphasize the complexities

of personal relationships, exploring the intricacies of love, friendship, and loyalty
within the group of friends. This could lead to a more character-driven narrative,
highlighting the ups and downs of their relationships without the added tension of a
tech startup.

 Diverse Career Paths: The film could have branched into various career paths,
showcasing how each character's talents and ambitions led them down different
avenues. It could explore how they navigate the challenges and successes in fields
such as law, finance, academia, or entrepreneurship in a non-tech context.

 Campus Life and Student Culture: The movie might have focused more on the vibrant
and dynamic campus life at Harvard, shedding light on the traditions, social scenes,
and academic experiences of the characters, all of which are intrinsic to the college
experience.

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  Alternative Pursuits and Hobbies: Characters may have pursued hobbies and interests
outside of the tech industry, showcasing how their passions and talents in other
domains shape their lives and relationships.

An alternative plot without the technology application depicted in the film would place a
stronger emphasis on character development, interpersonal relationships, and the exploration
of traditional academic and career paths. It could have provided a different lens through
which to view the complexities and dynamics of ambition, friendship, and betrayal,
unburdened by the rapid rise of a technology behemoth.

What are the various issues raised by the use of technology?

"The Social Network" effectively raises a spectrum of complex issues stemming from the use
of technology, transcending mere entertainment to stimulate thoughtful discussions and
critical reflections on these multifaceted challenges:

Moral Issues

 Friendship and Betrayal: The film delves into the moral dilemma of betraying
friendships in the pursuit of success. The alleged betrayal of Eduardo Saverin and the
subsequent legal battles between friends underscore the conflicts between personal
loyalty and ambition.
 Personal Integrity: The characters grapple with issues of personal integrity as they
navigate the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship, questioning the moral implications
of their actions.

Ethical Issues

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  Intellectual Property: The film explores the ethical considerations surrounding
intellectual property and idea theft, sparking debates on the ownership of ideas, credit,
and ethical obligations in collaborative projects.
 Privacy and Data: It hints at the ethical dilemma of collecting and handling user data.
Facebook's early privacy concerns are mirrored in contemporary discussions
surrounding data privacy and user consent.
 Manipulation and Exploitation: The potential manipulation and exploitation of social
connections for personal or professional gain raise ethical questions about the
boundaries of interpersonal relationships in the digital age.

Social Issues:

 Social Interaction: The film underscores the transformative impact of Facebook on the
dynamics of social interaction. It explores the ways in which digital platforms can
both enhance and disrupt traditional social relationships.
 Online Behaviour: It highlights how technology platforms can influence users' online
behaviour, leading to discussions about online etiquette, self-presentation, and
cyberbullying.
 Identity and Authenticity: Facebook's portrayal in the film prompts discussions on
identity construction in the digital realm and the challenges of authenticity in an age
of online profiles.

Economic Issues:

 Wealth Disparities: The film raises economic concerns regarding the massive wealth
generated by tech startups. It illustrates the stark disparities between the founders and
their legal adversaries, sparking discussions on income inequality and the distribution
of wealth in the tech industry.
 Start-Up Culture: It highlights the intense and competitive nature of the start-up
culture, shedding light on the economic pressures, successes, and failures of
entrepreneurial ventures.

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Political Issues:

 Tech Company Influence: The film hints at the growing influence of technology
companies on political discourse and public opinion. It touches on the potential
political ramifications of powerful tech companies and their impact on elections and
policymaking.
 Regulation and Oversight: It prompts discussions on the need for regulatory
frameworks to address the power and reach of technology companies and the potential
consequences of unchecked influence.

Educational and Institutional Issues:

 Ethical Education: The movie underscores the need for ethical education and
discussions on moral and ethical considerations within academic and professional
settings.
 Academic Integrity: The film's portrayal of academic rivalry raises questions about
academic integrity, competition, and the pressures faced by students in highly
competitive environments.

"The Social Network" serves as a powerful catalyst for examining and debating a wide range
of moral, ethical, social, economic, and political issues that arise from the use and impact of
technology in our contemporary society. These issues continue to shape discussions and
policies in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

What could be the legal implications of the movie if it had been a reality?

Do we have a legal framework (nationally/internationally) to deal with the situation depicted

in the movie?

"The Social Network" raises a variety of legal implications and underscores the need for
comprehensive legal frameworks to address the complex issues arising from the use of
technology. Here's a closer look at the legal aspects:

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Intellectual Property and Copyright Infringement:

 Legal Implications: The film portrays allegations of intellectual property theft and
copyright infringement, where Mark Zuckerberg is accused of stealing the concept for
Facebook.
 Legal Framework: Existing intellectual property laws, such as copyright and patent
laws, govern these issues. Copyright protects original works, while patent laws protect
novel and non-obvious inventions. The legal system adjudicates disputes based on
these established frameworks.

Contract Law and Business Agreements:

 Legal Implications: The movie highlights disputes over contracts and business
agreements. Eduardo Saverin's claim of dilution of equity and disputes over shares
emphasize the importance of clear and legally binding contracts in business
relationships.
 Legal Framework: Contract law regulates these issues, ensuring that parties involved
in business dealings adhere to their contractual obligations. Legal systems enforce
contracts, holding parties accountable for their commitments.

Privacy and Data Protection:

 Legal Implications: The film hints at privacy concerns regarding user data. It raises
questions about how user data is collected, used, and safeguarded by tech companies,
which have real-world implications for privacy violations.
 Legal Framework: Various national and international privacy regulations, such as the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer
Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, govern the collection and use of personal
data. These frameworks establish guidelines for data protection and impose penalties
for breaches.

Corporate Law and Governance:

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  Legal Implications: The movie showcases the legal aspects of corporate governance,
including the responsibilities of board members, shareholders' rights, and fiduciary
duties.
 Legal Framework: Corporate law governs the structure, operation, and governance of
corporations. It addresses issues such as the rights and duties of directors,
shareholders, and officers within a corporation.

Antitrust and Monopoly Concerns:

 Legal Implications: The film alludes to the growing influence of technology

companies on public opinion and political discourse, raising concerns about
monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior.
 Legal Framework: Antitrust laws and regulations are in place to prevent monopolies
and promote fair competition in the marketplace. In the U.S., the Sherman Antitrust
Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act are key statutes that address antitrust
issues.

Defamation and Reputation Damage:

 Legal Implications: The movie depicts instances where characters' reputations are
tarnished. Allegations of defamation may arise from the portrayal of real-life
individuals.
 Legal Framework: Defamation laws provide individuals with the means to seek legal
remedies when their reputation is unjustly damaged. Defamation laws vary by
jurisdiction but typically include elements of harm to reputation, falsity, and
publication.

Existing legal frameworks, both at the national and international levels, are equipped to
address many of the issues raised in "The Social Network." However, technology's ever-
evolving nature challenges legal systems to adapt and stay relevant. Ongoing debates and
legal reform efforts continue to shape the legal landscape surrounding technology and its
implications, underscoring the importance of a dynamic and adaptive legal framework.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, "The Social Network" directed by David Fincher is a cinematic tour de force
that immerses us in the complex world of technology, entrepreneurship, ethics, and the law.
This compelling film not only portrays the creation and ascent of Facebook but also serves as
a powerful lens through which to examine the multifaceted implications of technology in our
modern world.

The movie deftly explores both the constructive use and the potential misuse of technology,
shedding light on the positive impact of innovations like Facebook while also highlighting
the ethical and moral dilemmas that can arise in the tech industry. It challenges us to consider
the profound social, economic, and political consequences of the digital age, emphasizing the
need for ethical education and legal safeguards to navigate this ever-evolving landscape.

Moreover, "The Social Network" calls attention to the critical importance of legal
frameworks to address the myriad issues stemming from technology. It highlights the
significance of existing intellectual property, contract, privacy, corporate, and antitrust laws in
governing the tech industry and underscores the ongoing need for adaptation and reform in
the face of technological advancements.

As we reflect on this cinematic masterpiece, we are reminded that technology's impact

extends far beyond code and algorithms; it shapes our society, our relationships, and our very
sense of self. "The Social Network" serves as a compelling reminder of the complex interplay
between innovation, ethics, and the law in our digital age, urging us to continue the
discussion and adaptation of legal frameworks that will safeguard our ever-changing
technological landscape. This film, a narrative of ambition, friendship, and betrayal,

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challenges us to consider the profound questions surrounding technology and the society it
has transformed.

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