The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem (2024)

The Antisocial Network: Memes to Mayhem (2024)

A bleak but amusing look at how ironic memes became the headline news

7.0

Movie

United States of America
English
Documentary
2024
ARTHUR JONES, GIORGIO ANGELINI
86 min

TLDR

Inside jokes don't usually land when the whole world is listening.

What it's about

This is the story of how the popular website 4chan went from a platform to popularize memes, to a hub for spreading misinformation and enacting vigilante fantasies.

The take

The documentary offers a simplified, reflective look at the origins of meme culture and hive mind, and how online anonymity has led to toxic beliefs and behaviors in real life. It features a nostalgic collection of 2000s memes and references that awaken the sleeping cringe, as well as valuable insights from people who have contributed to or lived through the destructive milestones that ironic memes created. At best, it is an informative work that doesn't waste time or become so overwhelmingit even comes with short, entrancing animations that serve as a respite from the depressing subject. At worst, it's preaching to the choir.

What stands out

The cult of anonymity is sadly immortal.

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