Provocative clothing and sexy photos of young teen. Conversations about "booty" pics (nude photographs), with emphasis on the vulnerability of underage girls. Teen girl refers to having sex.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Verbal or visual references to: Red Bull, Adidas, Chase Bank, Canon.
Positive Messages
some
A cautionary tale about social media. Teens are especially vulnerable to cyberbullying. Instagram is a powerful device that may result in positive outcomes, also has the potential to harm.
Positive Role Models
some
Three central teens are ardent Instagram users with goals in common: they want to be liked/accepted, build a community, and, in two of the three, find fame. They are willing to reveal both the positive and harmful effects that their investment in social media has had on them, and what they've learned through their experiences. Parental figures have varied responses to their children's ventures (concern, pride, wisdom). Ethnic diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Social Animals is a documentary that puts Instagram and kids in sharp focus. The movie makes it clear that today's digital culture, though seductive and fun, may have long-lasting negative consequences. Achieving and depending upon "likes" and the pressure to look perfect can become all-consuming endeavors. Three teens' stories are detailed -- a budding daredevil photographer from the streets of Brooklyn, a 15-year-old design entrepreneur and model in upscale Los Angeles, and a vulnerable but savvy girl from middle America. Some serious themes like cyberbullying and stalking; teen suicide; and online sexual predators are explored. While swearing/profanity (i.e., "f--k," "bitch," "s--t," "d--k," "slut," one use of the "N" word) is heard as part of everyday conversation, it's a cautionary film that may be valuable for younger teens as well as older ones. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
The movie, Social Animals is a Netflix documentary sharing 3 stories of teenagers - "a daredevil photographer, an aspiring model, and a lonely Ohio girl - and Instagram's impact on their lives. (Netflix)" Each one expresses how social media directly influenced them and their personal lives, all in very different ways. For the photographer, Humza Deas, he found that Instagram helped him build an online community of photographers, pushing him to his creative and physical limits. Kaylyn Slevin, a teen Instagram influencer, expressed her desire to become Instagram famous and start her own fashion line. While she appeared very positive and upbeat in this documentary, there was definitely a reality of seeking fulfillment and identity from numbers, statistics, and affirmations through social media. Finally, Emma Crockett shared her personal testimony of how cyberbullying through Instagram spiraled her into depression, leading her to attempt suicide, thankfully, unsuccessfully.
In all of these teenagers testimonies, light was shed about the different ways Instagram specifically affects other people differently - creatively, financially, and socially. Amongst all this, there is a questioning of worth and identity throughout all 3 stories, as they sought understanding in who the are and what they mean to others. The documentary leaves off with how each teenager uses Instagram today but with a feeling of unsettlement and lack of answers. This is simply because identity and self-worth cannot be found in social media, or even in being featured in a Netflix documentary. This goes to show that we as humans are made for so much more than just social, technological, creative, or financial success.
I think that the insight into the impact of social media (focus on Instagram) is absolutely necessary for kids to see as they begin to dive into these platforms head first without necessarily knowing the implications of their actions. While the language is somewhat explicit, the benefits of middle and high-schoolers seeing this film far outweigh any possible negative impacts of some swearing, which by this age they should understand can be used in certain contexts (i.e. not in professional or academic settings). I would highly recommend this movie be screened for 8th graders or high school freshmen, follows by a discussion about using Instagram responsibly and realizing that words and actions have consequences. Letting the students drive the conversation could help them navigate cyber bullying situations, issues with body image, and the legality of certain actions through DMs and photography.
What's the Story?
In SOCIAL ANIMALS, Kaylyn Slevin is a 15-year-old who wants turn her beauty into fame and fortune; Humza Deas is a 17-year-old photographer who's willing to risk his life for the perfect shot; and Emma Crockett is a teen who simply wants to belong. Filmmaker Jonathan Ignatius Green follows these three Instagram faithfuls as they use the platform to try to realize their dreams. For each, the experience online is complex, challenging, and finds them on dangerous ground. Jealous "friends," sexual predators, and bullies follow them. Unknown enemies stalk them and exploit their vulnerabilities. Other teens are on-hand for online testimonies about their own cyber experiences. For some, there are rewards. For others, it's strictly a learning experience, and a difficult one at that.
Foregoing a narrator, experts, or statistics, filmmaker Jonathan Ignatius Green lets the kids speak for themselves, constructing a fascinating movie that's both timely and relevant. For "newbies" (mostly adults) unfamiliar with "branding" and career-making social network enterprises, Social Animals a surprising look at how the online culture is changing both values and behavior. Teens who are well-acquainted with the pros and cons of having one's personal life perpetually on-screen will find that it is a reminder that maturity is required, though not always on-hand. Not everyone portrayed in the film is admirable, or even likable, but that doesn't lessen the impact of the movie's message.
Have you, or anyone you love, been a victim of cyberbullying? Explain why the anonymity of the internet is a major cause. How does your family or your community deal with the issue? What, if any, resources are available to you if you become the object of bullying?
Discuss the statement in Social Animals: "On social media you can edit yourself to who you want to be, in person you're stuck with who you are." In what ways does this idea have meaning for you?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
