Black Mirror season 5 episode 2, “Smithereens,” follows Chris (Andrew Scott), a rideshare driver who takes a Smithereen employee hostage in an attempt to speak with the company’s CEO, Billy Bauer (Topher Grace). The episode explores the dark side of social media and the ways in which it can be used to manipulate and control people.
The episode is set in a world where social media is everywhere and people are constantly connected. Chris is a former social media addict who is now deeply troubled by the way that social media has changed him and the world. Chris believes that Smithereen is a harmful platform because it allows people to track and monitor each other’s every move. When Chris’ fiance is killed in a car accident, Chris blames Smithereen for distracting her driver. He decides to take a Smithereen employee hostage in an attempt to force the company to take responsibility for its role in the accident.
The Plot
The police surround Chris with the hostages, and a standoff ensues. Chris eventually releases the employee, but he holds onto a gun. He tells Billy that he is going to kill himself, and he asks Billy to make one last post on Smithereen. Billy posts a message about the dangers of social media addiction. He says that he is sorry for Chris’s loss, and he promises to do better. Chris then shoots himself. The episode ends with Billy watching the news coverage of Chris’s death. He looks troubled, and he knows that he has a lot to think about.
Theme
The episode explores a number of themes, including the dark side of social media, the dangers of addiction, and the power of social media to manipulate and control people. Black Mirror Season 5 Episode 2 suggests that social media can be a dangerous and addictive tool. It can be used to track and monitor people, and it can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda. The episode also suggests that addiction can be a powerful force. It can lead people to make bad decisions, and it can destroy lives.
Finally, the episode suggests that social media can be a powerful tool for manipulation and control. It can be used to influence people’s thoughts and behavior, and it can be used to spread fear and hatred.
What are your thoughts on the dangers of social media? Can it be an addictive tool and cause danger to people’s lives? Let us know in the comments and join our forum here to discuss more.