The Creepy Line

The Creepy Line is a 2018 feature-length documentary directed by M.A. Taylor that explores the influence and control exerted by internet giants like Google and Facebook over individuals and society as a whole. The title derives from a phrase coined by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who once said Google policy was "to get right up to the creepy line but not cross it." This movie plunges headfirst into the implications of that statement, scrutinizing the extent to which these Silicon Valley giants manipulate our world.

Moving beyond the superficial convenience and connectivity offered by the digital age, The Creepy Line delves into the unseen and almost immeasurable power that these tech titans possess. It illustrates how their ability to manipulate people's perceptions, opinions, and behaviors can influence electoral politics, shape the culture, and even determine what we perceive as truth.

Notable contributors to the film's narrative include psychologist Dr. Robert Epstein and professor of psychology Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. Known for his research on Google’s influence on elections, Epstein offers insight into the search engine's ability to manipulate users' perceptions seamlessly through a method he calls 'Search Engine Manipulation Effect' (SEME). This includes not only general opinions but also voting preferences, leading to profound societal consequences. On the other hand, Peterson, a well-known critic of political correctness, offers his perspective on freedom of speech and thought in the era of information and digital manipulation.

Adding to the discourse, Peter Schweizer, a political consultant and investigative journalist, discusses the intensely hidden nature of these mega corporations’ operations. He raises concerns about not just privacy issues but also the political and ideological bias that may be present in the information users are consuming, thereby influencing their worldviews.

The Creepy Line is predominantly analytical, combining commentary by scholars and experts with data graphics and slick animations to express how invisible algorithms can shape public opinion. It also features several interviews with ex-Google employees, shedding light on the corporate culture and attitudes within these tech behemoths.

The documentary investigates not only Google’s significant sway but also Facebook’s similar influence. It puts under the microscope how personal data, unknowingly provided by the users themselves, is collated and used primarily for business purposes. This data is further honed by thousands of data points, creating hyper-specific profiles used for micro-targeted advertising, ultimately manipulating users' behaviors, and personal choices.

Despite the grave subject matter, the film is compelling and accessible, explaining complex technological concepts in layman's terms. It unfolds like a gripping thriller, toying with the audience's emotions and relaying its shocking revelations with a sense of real urgency. The viewer is left with a more profound, more insightful understanding of how our Internet activity is being monetized and manipulated without our knowledge or consent.

Simultaneously enlightening and frightening, The Creepy Line is more than a documentary—it's a wakeup call. It challenges viewers to question the information we consume daily, and always look beyond the surface. More than presenting a narrative, the documentary aims to initiate a broader conversation about data privacy, manipulation, and the need for possible regulation of these tech giants, all while posing significant questions – how much power should a single entity wield? And where exactly does the ‘creepy line’ lie when it comes to information control?

The film's relevancy has only intensified since its release, given the exponential growth and ever-increasing influence of tech corporations. Engaging, alarming, and undeniably thought-provoking, The Creepy Line offers a deep dive into the chilling implications of the digital age, serving as a stark reminder of the dark side of technological advancement. It's an essential watch for anyone who uses the internet, reminding us to stay alert to the potential pitfalls of our growing dependence on technology.