Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet
Disturbing docuseries profiles online criminal behaviors.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet is a docuseries that features mature topics about disturbing online behaviors, which range from filing false criminal complaints against people and supporting extremism, to drugs, sexual violence, suicide, and death at the hands of law enforcement. It features lots of firsthand accounts that describe these events, and some violent imagery. Cursing is audible, drug smuggling is shown, and there's some discussion about online sexual behavior (including willingly sharing nude photographs via social media) and sex-related paraphernalia. Social media like Facebook and Twitter are featured. Games like Halo and social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook are featured within the context of the crimes discussed. The overall series highlights the importance of navigating the Internet and using social media safely.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Co-produced by Ron Howard, WEB OF MAKE BELIEVE: DEATH, LIES, AND THE INTERNET is a true crime docuseries about the impact people's online lives have on the real world. From "swatting" (online gamers making prank calls to emergency services on other players), to "sextortion" (sexting and extorting social media users online), it looks at how people use the virtual world to create chaos and cause harm, often with little thought or concern about the offline consequences of their actions. Interviews with journalists, investigators, attorneys, and victims, along with dramatic reenactments, offer details about what specific people were doing online, the crimes that were committed, and how the use of online media and technology facilitated them. Some of the people who committed these transgressions also add their thoughts about what they did, and why they did it.
Is It Any Good?
The troubling docuseries details stories about extreme online behaviors that caused significant -- and in some cases deadly -- harm. It highlights how individuals can get so caught up in their virtual lives that they lose sight of, or dismiss, the fact that what they're doing will have far-reaching negative consequences on their and other people's lives. But Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet makes clear that it's not the internet itself causing these problems. Instead, it reveals how digital technology has made it easier for people to act out against others, often to satisfy their sexual and violent needs. Viewers not as familiar with these online trends will find it both interesting and harrowing. Meanwhile, it also offers some important safety reminders for those who are actively engaging with others online.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Famiies can talk about the benefits and risks associated with the digital world. How has the internet made our lives better? What are some of the problems associated with using it? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
What does Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet teach us about being safe online? What are some of the ways we can protect ourselves and others from people using the internet to do harm?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 15, 2022
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror
Team investigates scary social media scam; sexual violence.
-
The Great Hack
Docu traces exploitation of personal data on the internet.
-
The Tinder Swindler
Language, online dating, lavish lifestyles in con man tale.
For kids who love true stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate