Social Interaction Rating System

The Nosedive episode of Black Mirror is about social media going wrong. As we see people faces, their rating of 0 to 5 is displayed next to them. So people tend to decide if they want to interact with others on basic of their rating.

Social media increasingly dictates social stature.

Social media increasingly dictates social stature. Your stature on today’s social media is implied by your number of followers. Others think your opinion is more valuable if you have a large number of followers. In Lacey’s case her social statute was indicated her rating number. She was a decent 4.2 but desired a 4.5+.

What is it about social media that gives it so much power over us?

Today there can be social pressure through social media, just like in high school. I am connected in social media with some successful popular people. All the vacations and fun times with friends can bother you if you let it. I do know some of these people worked very hard to have that lifestyle. So I am happy for them. There will always be social pressure to be like others. You want to fit in even if your square going into a big round hole.

Lacie practices her happy interaction

In Lacie’s reality is strongly discourage to be rude or pushy to others. You will be denied service, purchase, or even a living space. Other people point their phone at people and rate them.

Even when jogging, people point their phones to rate other people. Any interaction can be rated. When trying to rent a car the attendant gave her only 2 stars out of 5 stars. He said it was not a meaningful interaction. That is just crazy talk.

Lacie has a plan

Lacie has a 4.2 rating but she wants 4.5 or more so she can move into an exclusive apartment complex. Her old childhood friend asks her to be her maid of honor for her upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, Lacey has a lot of bad interactions on the way to get there. A lady truck driver offered Lacey a ride. The driver with a 1.2 rating told Lacie she used to be like her. Since the drivers husband died because he lost his cancer treatment option due to the rating system, she has abandoned this society’s norm. The driver said she is much happier and can be honest with others.

Did Lacie get what she wanted at the beginning of the episode?

When Lacey finally makes it to the wedding she is intoxicated, tired, and fed up. She tries to give her speech but the groom has her escorted out. She is arrested where she happily insults a fellow inmate. They are very happy to scream at each other. Something not allowed in society. I believe Lacie got to experience being honest with others. So now she can decide which direction her life will go next. Fake emotions, honesty or possibly some middle ground.

Be kind to others

I believe China is testing a similar rating system. This is very intrusive. Everyone has bad moods or bad days. Those times should not be held against them. That is like a snowball rolling downhill. It will escalate into a bad situation for the person. Please don’t be judgemental against someone for a single interaction. You have not been in their shoes. Kindness is free. Lets spread it around!