Driven by power in a digital world

Decoding Ambition, Betrayal, and Belonging in The Social Network

        When The Social Network was released in 2010, it wasn’t just a film about the creation of Facebook—it became a mirror reflecting the rapidly evolving digital age. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the movie traces the rise of Mark Zuckerberg, the Harvard student who played a central role in building one of the most influential platforms in modern history.But behind all the talk of innovation, it’s really a story about ambition, betrayal, and what people are willing to sacrifice in the tech world 

Arriving at a moment when social media was exploding into mainstream culture, The Social Network served as more than entertainment—it was a cultural commentary. Through the lens of Stuart Hall’s encoding/decoding theory, It shows us how the film sends messages about things like class, gender, and power— and how audiences may interpret these messages differently depending on their perspectives.

 

          The movie uses fast-paced editing, a cold and dark visual style, and a sharp script to encode ideas about ambition and how power works in the tech world. Right from the beginning, Mark’s breakup with Erica sets the tone—he’s awkward, arrogant, and wants to prove himself. The editing during this scene cuts quickly between them, building tension. It's not just a breakup; it’s the spark that leads to him creating something that will make him feel important.

The mise-en-scène—the setting, costumes, and overall vibe—also tells us a lot. Harvard is shown as elite and old-school, full of secret clubs like the Porcellian. These clubs represent power and wealth. Mark doesn’t belong, and you can feel his frustration. The way he dresses, in hoodies and flip-flops, stands out against the suits and ties of the Winklevoss twins. This contrast shows the clash between old money and new tech brains.

 

Narratively, the story jumps between court depositions and flashbacks. This structure keeps us questioning what’s true and who we believe. It also shows that power isn’t just about building something great—it’s also about who controls the story. Eduardo, Mark’s only friend, gets pushed out, and the way his character is treated shows how loyalty and friendship come second to ambition.

 

The film also encodes ideas about gender. There are very few strong female characters, and most women are shown as sidelines or background characters. This reflects the real tech world, which often sidelines women. So, the movie not only shows tech culture but also indirectly comments on its problems, even if it doesn’t go deep into fixing them.

 

          People can read The Social Network in different ways depending on who they are and what they believe. That’s where Stuart Hall’s decoding theory comes in.

 

A dominant reading would see Mark as a genius who outsmarted everyone. Some viewers might admire his intelligence and drive. They might think the movie is about how great ideas come from people who don’t fit in, and how success often comes at a cost. To them, Mark’s losses are just part of the price of building something that changed the world.

 

An oppositional reading would push back against that. Someone might watch and feel that Mark is actually the villain—not because he’s awkward, but because he betrays his best friend and shows no remorse. The way women are treated in the film, and the lack of diversity, could also be seen as a reflection of a toxic, male-dominated culture that the movie doesn’t challenge enough. In this view, the film isn’t just telling a story—it’s protecting a certain kind of power.

 

A negotiated reading might sit in the middle. Some might agree that Mark was smart and had a big idea, but still feel uncomfortable with how he treated people. They might admire his success while also questioning the culture he represents. One scene that stands out is when Eduardo finds out his shares have been diluted. His anger feels real, and in that moment, we see Mark’s coldness. It's a turning point that shows how far ambition can go before it crosses the line.

 

Mark, throughout the film, is seen as someone who always wants more—more control, more credit, more power. But in the last scene, he’s sitting alone, refreshing a Facebook page, waiting for a friend request from Erica. It’s a quiet moment that says a lot. Despite everything, he still wants connection. It makes you wonder: was all the success worth it?

 

          In conclusion, the Social Network left a big mark on how we see tech geniuses. It made people think twice about who’s behind the platforms we use every day. It showed that ambition can lead to greatness, but also loneliness and betrayal. Today, when social media controls so much of our lives, the film feels more real than ever.

 

It leaves us with something to think about: In a world that celebrates success at any cost, are we okay with losing a bit of our humanity along the way?