Summary

Rideshare driver Chris kidnaps Smithereen intern Jaden at gunpoint, with an objective to speak with the social media giant’s CEO/founder Billy Bauer. Chris threatens Jaden’s life while speaking on the phone with Smithereen management, who scramble to take action, quickly gathering a comprehensive file on Chris before London police do.

Bauer is on a silent retreat and can’t be reached until staff drive to his location. After being briefed, and against Smithereen and FBI demands, Bauer himself gets Chris on the line. Chris reveals to Bauer he was once a heavy Smithereen user, and that him checking a Smithereen notification while driving was the cause of the crash that killed his fiancé. An understanding Bauer admits Smithereen has become something that even he can’t control. Having accomplished his goal but still burdened with guilt, Chris says he is going to release Jaden and kill himself. Bauer and Jaden both try to talk him out of it. The episode ends with a police sniper zeroing in on Chris.

Something disturbing: The amount of information Smithereen has on Chris is probably close to reality.

Something entertaining: Bauer is clearly modeled after Jack Dorsey, someone I find fascinating.

Overall Reaction to the Episode

Positive. This episode helps us contemplate how much social media companies know about us and how addicting and depression social media can be. The heart-wrenching history of the main character — and our own experiences with social media — endear the audience to Chris and his cause.

Most Relatable to our Societal Condition Today

The addictive nature of social media and devices portrayed in the episode is a very real thing. This has been a common theme in the episodes we’ve watched so far.

Element Connected With This Week’s Assigned Readings

Social media is an obvious and overwhelming form of digital rhetoric and literacy as defined by Eyman.

Discussion Question

Should we all delete our social media accounts to eliminate the addiction and depression it causes, and to prevent “big tech” from further harvesting our data? Do you believe these problems are real in our society?