Sundance Director Lauren Greenfield Explores the Digital Lives of Gen Z in New Documentary “Social Studies”
Park City, UT – Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield is offering an intimate look into the world of today’s teenagers in her new documentary, “Social Studies,” premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film delves into the complexities of adolescence in the age of social media, examining how constant connectivity shapes identity, relationships, and perceptions of reality for America’s most digitally immersed generation.
greenfield, known for her previous documentaries exploring wealth and consumer culture like “The Queen of Versailles” and ”Generation Wealth,” shifts her focus to the experiences of high school students navigating the pressures and possibilities of a hyper-connected world. ”Social Studies” doesn’t offer judgment, but rather a nuanced portrait of a generation grappling with issues of self-image, social acceptance, and the blurring lines between online and offline life. The film’s relevance is heightened as concerns grow about the impact of social media on mental health and the evolving social landscape for young people. Its debut at Sundance signals a broader conversation about the responsibilities of platforms and the need for media literacy in a digital age.
According to a Sundance Institute blog post, Greenfield approaches the subject with an observational style, allowing the students’ own voices and experiences to take center stage. The documentary avoids traditional narration, instead relying on footage captured primarily through the students’ own phones and social media feeds. This approach aims to provide an authentic and unfiltered glimpse into their daily lives, showcasing both the joys and anxieties of growing up in the digital era.
“Social Studies” is expected to spark discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z, and the broader implications of a society increasingly mediated by technology. The film’s premiere at Sundance positions it as a key contribution to the ongoing dialog surrounding the impact of social media on youth culture and the future of human connection.
