The role of social media and technology in shaping public opinion
The movie highlights the way social media and technology have transformed how information is disseminated and consumed. The movie satires the prioritization of sensationalism and entertainment over facts and the increasing difficulty for Kate and Dr. Randall -- experts to communicate important information to the general public. The widespread use of social media platforms has facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation, which can lead to a distorted perception of reality.
The influence of company interests and government agendas
The movie shows the detrimental effects of company interests and political agendas on the decision-making process. An example in the movie is when the billionaire CEO Isherwell discovers that the comet contains trillions of dollars worth of rare-earth elements, the government aborts the mission to destroy the comet.
The corruption of trust toward scientific expertise
The astronomers' warnings about the comet are dismissed, implying a growing skepticism towards experts and a lack of appreciation for evidence-based decision-making from the public and the government.
The role of computing in decision making
Computing plays a significant role in the detection and tracking of the comet, as well as in the construction of potential solutions to deal with the crisis. Another example in the movie is the BASH system can even predict the death of a person. There needs to be a responsible use of the tool.
Real-life implications