The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem

Few recent films have been more terrifying than this documentary about the creation of 4Chan and how it led to the birth of QAnon. Watching The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem feels like watching a nightmare come to life. Directors Giorgio Angelini and Arthur Jones do a great job getting the story from the men who created 4Chan, all of whom share the idea that their creation was meant to encourage freedom of expression. But they don't show much remorse or a sense of accountability for how their website became a cesspool for conspiracy theories that have caused great harm across the world.

Watching notorious internet trolls try to reason their way through their bullying using logic is chilling, especially when the filmmakers draw a line from 4Chan to the January 6th attacks on the Capitol and how American democracy has been fractured. Younger audience members might be fascinated by learning about an online past that seems prehistoric given the advancement of technology, but the film doesn't offer a strong point of view, perpetuating the dangers that can come with unchecked "freedom," as some might see the men featured here as heroes and others as their biggest fears come to life.