Many a personal device will be at least temporarily darkened by “The Social Dilemma” — though whether it’s already too late to stem, mid-course, the societal disaster the film charts is just one of many questions it raises. This potent documentary by Jeff Orlowski lends a podium to various experts who are certain the pervasive influence of under-regulated social media is destroying civilization from within. The problem, to paraphrase Mark Twain, is that it’s much easier to manipulate people than to persuade them they’re being manipulated.

It’s a thesis that doesn’t seem so improbable after 93 minutes of this densely packed yet lively and entertaining documentary, whose accessibility is heightened by some narrative play-acting. Easily one of the most talked-about docs at Sundance this year, “The Social Dilemma” is sure to attract significant interest from buyers for various formats around the world.

Marking a sharp turn from...