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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Dark Net summary
Inside the Digital Underworld
16 mins
Brief summary
"The Dark Net" by Jamie Bartlett is a fascinating insight into the hidden corners of the internet and the people who inhabit them. From drug dealers to hackers, it explores the underbelly of the online world.
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The Dark Net
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
The internet enables online threats to public figures and an insidious game called trolling.
Have you ever been insulted by a total stranger on an anonymous chat service or social network? If so, you’re not alone. It’s actually a common phenomenon, and one that can be especially troubling for high-profile people who are fighting for a controversial cause.
For instance, the success of the 2013 campaign to feature Jane Austen on the new ten-pound note in the UK was in part due to the work of feminist journalist Caroline Criado-Perez. But not everyone agreed with her message. She got thousands of troubling anti-feminist Twitter messages, some of which even contained threats of rape, violence and murder.
Criado-Perez was forced into hiding while the police arrested two people who had posted some of the most egregious threats. And Criado-Perez isn’t alone in suffering anonymous online abuse; this vile pastime is called trolling and it’s only getting worse.
Trolling is the act of making comments via the internet with the intention of upsetting other users and goading them into a reaction. The word stems from the verb “to troll,” which means to slowly drag a baited fishing line through the water.
Just how bad is it?
Well, there were 498 convictions in England and Wales related to aggressive, indecent or offensive online behavior in 2007. By 2012, that number had spiked to 1,423.
But trolling isn’t only about threatening other people’s lives. In reality, it’s often much more subtle and playful, with lots of trolls simply motivated by a desire to stir up trouble.
Just take Zach, a troll interviewed by the author. He joined a popular right-wing website and posted a poorly written message that complained about how uneducated conservatives were. He received loads of indignant messages in reply, to which he responded with a wave of messages containing pictures of his penis, literary quotations and various insults.
His only motivation was entertainment.
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What is The Dark Net about?
The Dark Net (2014) is a window into the internet’s nefarious underbelly. These blinks detail a trove of hidden online activity, from drug deals to illegal pornography to troubling discussions among suicidal teenagers.
The Dark Net Review
The Dark Net (2014) delves into the depths of the internet's hidden corners and explores the complex world of online subcultures. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with eye-opening revelations, it uncovers the seedy underbelly of cyberspace and exposes the dangers and opportunities that lurk within.
- By skillfully weaving real-life stories and interviews with individuals involved in the Dark Net, the book paints a vivid and disturbing picture of this hidden world.
- With its thought-provoking analysis on issues like privacy, anonymity, and the evolving nature of technology, it challenges readers' preconceptions and stimulates critical thinking.
Best quote from The Dark Net
About one-third of the British youth have a friend who has been the victim of anonymous online trolling.
—Jamie Bartlett
Who should read The Dark Net?
- Adventurous people who want to uncover everything the internet has to offer
- Anyone concerned about all the terrible things happening online
- Aspiring porn stars and anyone who wants to buy marijuana from their couch
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The Dark Net FAQs
What is the main message of The Dark Net?
The main message of The Dark Net is an exploration of the hidden corners of the internet and the impact it has on society.
How long does it take to read The Dark Net?
The reading time for The Dark Net varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Dark Net a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Dark Net is worth reading for its eye-opening insights into the online world and its consequences. It is a thought-provoking and informative read.
Who is the author of The Dark Net?
The author of The Dark Net is Jamie Bartlett.
What to read after The Dark Net?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Dark Net, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Tribe of Hackers by Marcus J. Carey
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- The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
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