10 Must-See Documentaries About the Digital Revolution

21 de abril de 2023

"We are all social beings and we need to be connected to others for our survival and growth." - Karen Salmansohn

Being connected has become an essential part of our daily lives, with more and more people relying on it for work, communication, and entertainment; as technology advances, we're left to wonder: what does the future hold for the net? From big data to social media, many digital topics have been explored through documentaries and docuseries.

 

Digital painting, robots interconnected

 

Documentaries and docuseries about the internet and digital revolution offer a unique insight into the ever-evolving world of technology. These shows and films explore topics such as data privacy, social media, artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on society. They provide a critical examination of the digital landscape, from its early beginnings to the present day, and speculate on what the future may hold.

Guidedoc, Netflix, YouTube, and other online platforms have given documentary filmmakers and journalists the opportunity to share their work with a global audience. Below are ten of the most essential docuseries and films about the digital revolution, available to watch online.

Exploring the Future of the Internet Through the Top 10 Documentaries:

 

Well Done

a red-haired woman with glasses smiles at a brown-haired man who is in profile

This Swiss documentary by Thomas Imbach offers a fascinating and thought-provoking glimpse into the world of computer centers and their impact on society. The film was shot over several months inside a computer center that serves the Zurich financial community, with the aim of exploring the human cost of our increasingly digital and interconnected world.

 

The Social Dilemma

a teenager looks at his smart phone with concern, the room is dark and what is on the screen of the device is projected into the environment

This docudrama explores the dark side of social media and the impact it has on our mental health, privacy, and democracy. It features interviews with former employees of companies like Facebook and Google who share their concerns about the addictive nature of social media and the ways in which it can manipulate user behavior.

 

Google and the World Brain

a large library with several floors full of books

Is a compelling documentary that explores the implications of Google's project to digitize every book in the world. It delves into the controversy over copyright permissions and intellectual property rights, while also exploring the potential benefits and pitfalls of creating a digital repository of human knowledge. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the impact of technology on our society.

 

The Net - Unabomber, LSD & Internet

to the screen of some device with glitch

Is a captivating documentary that explores the hidden side of the internet by tracing the history of the cybernetic revolution of the 1970s. The film uses the back-story of Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber) as a lens to examine contrasting counter-cultural responses to digital technology, from those who resist it to those who embrace it. The film combines investigative journalism and travelogue to provide a thought-provoking analysis of the impact of digital technology on our society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and implications of the digital revolution.

 

The Great Hack

a young man with his back turned, wearing a suit and a scarf, a digital world is projected around him

This documentary dives into the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how the data analytics firm harvested the personal information of millions of Facebook users to influence the 2016 US presidential election. It explores the dark side of big data and the ways in which our personal information is being used against us.

 

Going South

a compilation of youtube videos

Is a fascinating documentary that uses YouTubers' footage to capture the spirit of the world in the age of fake news and rapid information spread. The film, directed by Dominic Gagnon, connects disparate images and themes to create a vivid constellation of the modern world that is only possible through our online presence. It raises thought-provoking questions about how much of our lives are now documented and curated online, and whether YouTube is becoming the new "image book" for our society. "Going South" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the impact of social media on our culture and is available to watch on online platforms like YouTube.

 

Terms and Conditions May Apply

screen of a computer

This documentary takes a critical look at the terms and conditions we agree to when using social media and other online services. It reveals how our personal data is being collected, stored, and shared by companies without our knowledge or consent.

 

Childhood 2.0

one eyed boy blue eyes downcast

Is a powerful documentary by renowned director Kiowa Winans that explores the impact of social media on children growing up in the digital era. While "The Social Dilemma" explains how social media has taken over our lives, "Childhood 2.0" delves deeper into the reasons why we should be concerned about exposing kids to it. The film provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon and shows how children often react to it. It's important to note that this documentary includes mature subject matter and may not be suitable for children. "Childhood 2.0" is a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the impact of technology on the next generation.

 

The Code: Story of Linux

a computer screen

This docuseries tells the story of the development of Linux, an open-source operating system that has revolutionized the world of computing. It explores the importance of collaboration and community in the digital age and the ways in which open-source software has challenged the dominance of tech giants like Microsoft and Apple.

 

Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World

a man in a suit has a head full of knots and computing devices

This documentary explores the history and future of the internet, from its early beginnings to the present day. It features interviews with tech pioneers like Elon Musk and Tim Berners-Lee and explores topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the potential dangers of a fully connected world.


Our selection of films about the digital revolution offers a fascinating insight into the world of technology and the internet. They provide a critical examination of the impact of technology on our society, exploring everything from big data and social media to cybersecurity and the open internet.

The ten titles listed above are just a small selection of the many essential documentaries and docuseries available to watch online on Guidedoc. Whether you're looking to learn more about the digital revolution or simply love a good documentary, here are ten essential films you won't want to miss.

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