Exea Impact has organised two screenings of the documentary Molly vs The Machines, attended by its director, Marc Silver, to raise awareness of the impact that digital environments and algorithms can have on the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and adolescents.

The activity is part of the initiative “Loneliness in Childhood and Adolescence in Times of Hyperconnection”, through which Exea Impact promotes knowledge, reflection and collaboration to address the underlying causes that may contribute to unwanted loneliness among younger generations.

One of its areas of work focuses on the relationship between hyperconnection, the design of digital platforms and the ways in which minors interact, form their frames of reference and access certain types of content.

A Story That Challenges Society as a Whole

Directed by Marc Silver, Molly vs The Machines tells the story of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old British girl who died by suicide after being repeatedly exposed to harmful online content.

Based on the investigation led by her family, the documentary follows their efforts to uncover the content Molly had received through social media and to ensure that major technology platforms assume responsibility. Her story provides an opportunity to examine the role of algorithms, the systems that select and recommend content, and their capacity to shape the digital experiences of younger users.

The documentary raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of digital platforms and the measures needed to ensure that digital environments protect the rights, health and wellbeing of minors. These questions make clear that the protection of minors must be embedded in the design and operation of the platforms themselves, rather than depending solely on how young people use them or on the decisions made by their families.

Two Screenings to Encourage Dialogue

The first session was held on 7 September at Esade Sant Cugat, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. The screening was organised through the SoReDi Chair (Socially Responsible Digital Innovation), supported by Exea Impact and led by Liliana Arroyo.

The event was attended by representatives of the institution, students, faculty members and professionals connected to Esade, who had the opportunity to speak with Marc Silver after the screening. The session connected the issues addressed in the documentary with the work of the SoReDi Chair, which focuses on promoting socially responsible digital innovation.

Exea Impact subsequently organised a second private screening at the Phenomena Experience cinema in Barcelona, bringing together representatives from the education, social and institutional sectors. Attendees included representatives of the organisations involved in the foundation’s initiative: Adolescencia Libre de Móviles, 5 Rights Foundation, Equitat.org and Barcelona City Council, through its City Pact against Loneliness.

Mària Vallés, Director of Exea Impact, welcomed the attendees and placed the screening within the context of the foundation’s commitment to the wellbeing of children and adolescents. Following the documentary, Ismael Palacín, Director of Equitat.org, moderated a conversation with Marc Silver about Molly Russell’s story and the main challenges posed by the way digital platforms currently operate. Audience members also had the opportunity to share their questions and concerns.

The session received more than 400 registrations, reflecting growing concern about the impact of social media, harmful content and algorithmic systems on younger generations.

Towards Safer Digital Environments

The two screenings created spaces for dialogue among individuals and organisations from different sectors. The complexity of this challenge requires the involvement of families, the education community, public institutions, civil society, academia and the technology industry.

Through this initiative, Exea Impact contributes to building knowledge and raising awareness of the need to move towards platforms that are safer by design and by default, capable of anticipating risks and placing the rights and wellbeing of children and adolescents at their core.

From 9 September, the documentary will be available on Movistar Plus+ under the title Molly y los algoritmos.

Watch the documentary on Movistar Plus+:

https://www.movistarplus.es/documentales/molly-y-los-algoritmos/ficha?tipo=E&id=4337188

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH0bOI1toZM