Watch Netizens

Netizens is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary from 2018 that explores the dark side of the internet and the social media platforms that have become an integral part of our lives. The film, directed by Cynthia Lowen, follows the stories of three women who have been victims of online harassment and abuse, and reveals the devastating impact it has had on their lives.

The first woman we meet is Carrie Goldberg, a New York City lawyer who specializes in online harassment cases. Carrie was once a victim of revenge porn, and has since made it her mission to use the law to help other women who have been targeted by online trolls and abusers. We see her in action as she works with her clients, fighting against the very systems and institutions that perpetuate and enable harassment.

The second woman we meet is Anita Sarkeesian, a renowned feminist media critic who rose to fame for her work exposing the misogyny and sexism that runs rampant in the gaming industry. Anita was targeted by online trolls and Gamergate activists, who launched a relentless campaign of harassment and abuse against her, forcing her to flee her home in fear for her safety. Despite her trauma, Anita continues to speak out against online harassment and to fight for a more just and equitable internet.

The third woman we meet is Soraya Chemaly, a writer, activist, and advocate for gender equality who has been targeted by trolls and abusers for years. Soraya's story is particularly powerful, as she explores the ways in which online harassment is often rooted in real-world sexism and misogyny. We see her grappling with the complex emotions that come with being a public figure in the age of the internet, and we witness the toll that the constant barrage of hate-filled messages and threats has taken on her mental health and well-being.

Throughout the film, we hear from experts in the field of online harassment, who explain the ways in which social media platforms have been designed to prioritize profit and engagement over user safety and well-being. We learn about the algorithms that fuel the spread of hate speech and the ways in which online abuse can quickly escalate into real-world violence.

But despite the bleak portrait the film paints of the internet and social media, it ends on a note of hope and resilience. We see the women, and countless others like them, continuing to speak out, to fight back, and to demand a better, safer, and more just online community. At its core, Netizens is a call to action, urging viewers to take responsibility for their own online behavior and to work towards a more compassionate and equitable internet.

Overall, Netizens is a powerful, timely, and necessary film that shines a light on the dark side of the internet and the many ways in which women are disproportionately targeted by online harassment and abuse. It is a must-see for anyone who uses social media or spends time online, and it is a valuable tool for starting conversations about the role we all have to play in creating a safer, more just, and more equitable online community.