Aaron Sorkin Writing a Potential ‘Social Network’ Sequel: “I Blame Facebook for Jan. 6”
Aaron Sorkin, the renowned screenwriter and creator of ‘The West Wing,’ has announced that he is working on a spiritual sequel to his 2010 hit film, ‘The Social Network.’ In this sequel, Sorkin aims to explore how Facebook’s algorithm has impacted democracy. The news broke during a live podcast episode of ‘The Town,’ which was recorded in Washington, D.C. During the podcast, Sorkin expressed his belief that Facebook and social media have played a significant role in influencing democracy since the release of his original film.
Facebook’s Impact on Democracy
Sorkin’s decision to blame Facebook for the events of January 6th stems from his observation of how the social media platform’s algorithm has been tuned to promote divisive content. He believes that this algorithmic manipulation has contributed to the polarization of society and has had a detrimental impact on democracy. Sorkin suggests that Facebook’s primary focus is on growth, rather than maintaining integrity, and argues that this approach has allowed the spread of misinformation and the incitement of violence.
When asked why he holds a social media company responsible for the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Donald Trump mob, Sorkin cryptically responded, “you’re going to need to buy a movie ticket.” This implies that he intends to explore these ideas in a film format, where he can delve deeper into the complexities and consequences of Facebook’s actions.
Aaron Sorkin’s Vision for the Sequel
Sorkin’s intention to create a sequel to ‘The Social Network’ is not entirely new. In previous interviews, he expressed his desire to explore the “dark side” of Facebook and its impact on society. He has also stated that he would only proceed with the project if David Fincher, the director of the original film, is involved. Sorkin believes that the story of Facebook’s recent controversies is worth telling, and he sees it as a natural continuation of the themes explored in the first film.
Although Sorkin has confirmed that he is working on a screenplay related to ‘The Social Network,’ it is still in the early stages of development, and there is no studio partner attached to the project yet. It remains unclear whether elements from a previous script focused on the events of January 6th will be incorporated into the new screenplay.
‘The West Wing’ and its Relevance Today
During the podcast, Sorkin was also asked about the potential relevance of his hit television series, ‘The West Wing,’ in today’s political climate. He acknowledged that the show, which premiered in 1999, resonated with viewers across the political spectrum due to its portrayal of patriotism and commitment to public service. However, Sorkin expressed doubts about whether the show would receive the same reception in today’s divisive climate, where political positions are often seen as personal attacks.
Ultimately, Aaron Sorkin’s decision to write a potential sequel to ‘The Social Network’ reflects his belief in the importance of exploring the impact of social media on democracy. By examining Facebook’s algorithmic practices and their consequences, Sorkin aims to shed light on the dark side of the platform and provoke critical thinking about the role of technology in shaping society.
