The Dark Net Book Summary - The Dark Net Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

The Dark Net summary

Inside the Digital Underworld

3.1 (65 ratings)
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.

Table of Contents

    The Dark Net
    Summary of 7 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    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.

    Want to see all full key ideas from The Dark Net?

    Key ideas in The Dark Net

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    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
    example alt text

    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

    About the Author

    Jamie Bartlett is Director of the Center for the Analysis of Social Media and a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph. The Dark Net is his first book.

    Categories with The Dark Net

    Book summaries like The Dark Net

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    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:
    • Ethereum by Henning Diedrich
    • Narrative Economics by Robert J. Shiller
    • This Is Why You Dream by Rahul Jandial
    • Blockchain Revolution by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
    • The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
    • The Art of War (new version) by Sun Tzu
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • Tribe of Hackers by Marcus J. Carey
    • The Age of Cryptocurrency by Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey
    • The Promise of Bitcoin by Bobby C. Lee