The Internet Ruined My Life
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Series shows dramatic consequences of online behavior.
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The Internet Ruined My Life
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What's the Story?
THE INTERNET RUINED MY LIFE is a reality series that shows some of the potentially devastating consequences of sharing something online. It features dramatic reenactments of real stories about people who use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other apps and sites to interact with friends, advance activism, or just look for attention and how their posts led to being stalked, threatened, and even deported. It also shows how innocent people can fall victim to social media users who might steal their words or images to become Internet-famous. Interviews with industry experts, law enforcement officials, and others offer their insights about the events described, as well as their thoughts about what folks should consider when posting online. Footage of social media exchanges, TV programs, and streaming video also contribute to each narrative.
Is It Any Good?
This reality show offers compelling but sensational stories about the various ways people's online activities can lead to very real and serious consequences. It underscores how quickly a post can go viral, and seemingly silly or harmless tweets, emails, texts, and memes can be misinterpreted and used against people online, in the world of public opinion, and even in a court of law. The willingness of people to use tweets, Facebook posts, and other social media content as justifications for, and ways of, engaging in inappropriate and illegal behaviors is also noted.
The accounts featured here are troubling, especially when it shows how some law enforcement agencies, political pundits, and entertainers perpetuate a culture that permits the victimization of people who post risky online content. However, it fails to acknowledge that while no one has the right to hurt and destroy -- or be hurt and destroyed -- as a result of a post, Internet users still must be mindful of what they're sharing (and how they're sharing it) in the digital world. Nonetheless, the overall series serves as a warning to everyone who's online.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about being online. Given all the scary stories about social media and other stuff online, is the Internet a dangerous place? How can it be safe and productive for people to enjoy what it has to offer? Parents: What are some of the ways you can keep your kids safe online and help them use the Internet responsibly?
When someone posts something online that is irresponsible or controversial, it's never appropriate to insult, attack, or make their lives miserable. But why do people who wouldn't insult, attack, or make someone's life miserable in real time do it online? What kinds of laws are in place to protect people from things such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and other inappropriate online behaviors?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 9, 2016
- Network: Syfy
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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