I'm pretty unshockable when it comes to the dark side of the internet; as someone who's been reporting on it since the 1990s I have seen many things I dearly wish I hadn't. So when I say that Netflix's new Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and The Internet is a tough watch, that's coming from someone with a very strong stomach. The Netflix true crime documentary series is about real people online, and it's scarier than any horror movie.
Over six episodes, the documentary series tells five stories: tales of fraud, of incitement to violence, of conspiracy theories, of sextortion and in the episode I watched last night, how perfectly nice people can end up marching proudly with neo-nazis. While these stories are all very different, the common thread is that they're about terrible people using the power of the internet to prey on others. And that's why it's so tough to watch. So much of what you see on screen is happening not in some corner of the dark web, but on the sites and services you use every day.
Maybe the internet was a mistake
I think Samantha, the subject of the far-right episode, is very brave to go on camera – but I'm glad she did, because her story is so relatable and so much like so many other people's stories. Her episode shows very clearly how decent but vulnerable people can be taken advantage of, how their desire to be liked, to belong, can be twisted into radicalisation against specific groups. As an LGBT+ person that has particular resonance for me: the neo-nazi terror groups in the episode are the same ones that target Pride events and Drag Queen Story Hours in the US; 31 members of one group were arrested this week when their plans to riot at a Pride event in Idaho were uncovered early enough to intercept them.
It goes without saying that there are some deeply upsetting things in these episodes; so much so that I think I'm going to take a break before watching the next one. But while the presentation here can sometimes feel a little too sensationalist, at heart it's an important series that shines a light on something many of us would really rather not think about, and that the sites and services we use would rather pretend isn't happening.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
One kettlebell, four exercises and 20 minutes to build strength all over
A kettlebell is all you need for a great full-body workout
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
You could win an Xbox Series X in gold, but Microsoft will make you work for it
The exclusive Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Xbox could be yours
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Netflix hit show's S3 trailer has fans asking if another cancellation is coming
The Lincoln Lawyer is nearly back, but its fans are anxious
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Amazon Prime in October: the 5 best new shows and movies to watch this month
If you're looking for new Prime Video content, you're in luck
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Move over Attenborough, new Netflix doc has Barack Obama on narration duties
That's quite the big name to attach
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix in October: the 5 best new shows and movies to add to your watchlist
Netflix is planning another big month – here are 5 movie and show highlights to add to your watchlist
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Kate Beckinsale wows in action-packed trailer for new Amazon Prime movie
Canary Black promises kitschy spy thriller fun, with Kate Beckinsale at the forefront
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
After Borderlands, new Apple TV+ show looks like Cate Blanchett's return to form
The star is turning a corner with Disclaimer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
You won't believe how long this movie's been in the Netflix chart
Mario keeps doing the business for Netflix
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Trailer clue hints The Last of Us season 2 could delay the series' biggest twist
The huge show might take its time for now
By Max Freeman-Mills Published