Exploring Narrative Strategies in the Trailer of Documentary The Social Dilemma: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Authors

  • Aqsa Bibi
  • Ayesha Bibi

Abstract

The contemporary era of digital media has greater influence on language use. It prompted persuasive and idea use of specific Linguistic choices to meet their desired results. The present study is about the same area. It is a critical analysis of how the trailer of The Social Dilemma uses language and narrative to shape public understanding and attitudes about the impact of social media on human cognition and social behavior. The analysis is based on the concepts of Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG). This research adopts a qualitative critical discourse analysis to analyze selected extracts from the official trailer and identifies key linguistic patterns. The findings show that the trailer design of social media as a means of surveillance, manipulation and psychological control. It occurs on the basis of alarmist discourse and emotionally charged narration. This research combines the discourse analysis approach with issues related to media literacy and digital ethics, enriching the body the discourse of media and its ideological impact in digital spaces. The study highlights the importance of critical media awareness as a stepping stone for individuals to be more conscious and responsible in navigating social media. It implies that the content creation is a responsibility, if not handled properly it could engulf countless lives.

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Published

2026-08-09

How to Cite

Bibi, A., & Bibi, A. (2026). Exploring Narrative Strategies in the Trailer of Documentary The Social Dilemma: A Critical Discourse Analysis. Erevna: Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 10(1), 1-16. Retrieved from https://journals.au.edu.pk/ojserevna/index.php/erevna/article/view/484