The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 5 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on February 7, 2020
By: Adam Hartzer ’23
Layout Editor
On January 1, Netflix released The Circle, a new social media-oriented reality show. On the show, 13 contestants compete for $100,000 by being isolated in individual apartments where they never meet any of the other participants face-to-face. Instead, the only interaction allowed is over a social media platform channel, known as the Circle.
When players enter the Circle, they set up a profile, consisting of a short bio and profile picture. Because of the show’s anonymity, some contestants chose to portray avatar-like characters that ranged from partially true representations to completely fictitious “catfish.” To win the game, players must become the Circle’s most popular player, which is determined by players ranking each other at various stages throughout the game. The two highest-ranked players after each round become “influencers” who then decide what player they want to “block” from the Circle and send home. Juggling strategy with their trust and personal perception of other players, the influencers carefully choose the player to send home, without offending the other players who may have made alliances with the one who was blocked.
As the game unfolds, it is interesting to see each player construct their unique strategies—whether they chose to be a complete “catfish” or their genuine selves. From a psychological perspective, it was most interesting to see the players interact and befriend one another, even if players were not their true selves. Many who opted to “catfish” the other players believed that they had a better chance of winning the game by portraying themselves as a more likable individual, in hopes of fulfilling the common stereotypes depicted on social media.
While none of the catfish players had any self-esteem issues or insecurities, they admitted that the climate of social media made their own profile seem not as likable as their fictitious avatar in the game. As the game continues and relationships develop, the show explores what it means to redefine acceptance on social media and the trust that individuals have for people that they have never met in person.
To continuously keep the players on their toes, the show makes players participate in various challenges and activities to receive rewards that promote their popularity on the platform.
What many find interesting about The Circle is the relevancy to modern issues surrounding social media. It showcases how individuals interact with others on social platforms and the unique way relationships develop through technology, rather than by traditional face-to-face means.
