Ep 7. My Community

In Dark Net season 2 episode 7 titled "My Community," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the power of digital communities and the impact they have on people's lives. The episode delves into how online groups and communities have changed the way people connect and interact with each other, creating new social and cultural norms that are difficult to navigate.

The first segment of the episode explores how digital communities have given hope and a sense of belonging to individuals who feel marginalized or isolated in the offline world. Viewers see how a group of transgender people in India have found solace and acceptance in a Facebook community that provides them with emotional support and guidance. The segment also highlights how online groups have empowered individuals to push for political and social change, as seen in the case of a group of activists fighting against police brutality in the United States.

The episode then turns its attention to the darker side of online communities, particularly those that promote hate speech and extremist ideologies. The second segment of the episode sheds light on how online forums and social media platforms have become breeding grounds for white supremacists and neo-Nazis, who use the anonymity and reach of the internet to spread their toxic messages. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of a vigilante group that tracks and exposes members of such communities, showing how the group's efforts have led to some individuals losing their jobs and facing social consequences.

The third and final segment of the episode examines how digital communities are changing the way people consume and distribute content. Viewers are introduced to a group of YouTube creators who have established a thriving community around ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos, which are designed to induce pleasurable sensations in viewers. The segment explores how these creators have built a loyal following that keeps coming back for their unique brand of content, and the monetary benefits that come with it.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with diverse perspectives and stories that showcase the complex and multifaceted nature of online communities. The show challenges viewers to question their own relationship with the digital world, and to explore how these communities are shaping the way we live, work, and interact with each other. "My Community" is a thought-provoking and insightful episode that offers a glimpse into the many ways in which digital communities are changing the world we live in, for better or for worse.