The Dark Side of the Interwebs

The interwebs isn't all fun and games. There is some truly unpleasant stuff out there, and every good interwebs diver knows sometimes you have to put on the blinders and have a vat of brain bleach handy.

So, join with me, fellow interwebs divers, as we go through some choppy waters into some unpleasant places. I present to you: the interwebs diver's guide to the dark side of the interwebs.

Dark Side #1: Soapboxes for Nutjobs

There have always been crazies in the world. From the flagellants of olden times to the witch hunts of Salem, nutjobs have hounded us from day one. Usually, they can be safely ignored, ostracized and locked in the asylums that are probably best for them and us.

Unfortunately, the interwebs is an excellent place for crazies to get out their message of madness out to the world. David Icke is one. He starts small in this video, talking about small things leading up to the grand finale: Jewish people are actually shape changing lizards who live among us.

Without the interwebs, he's just another homeless man raving on the street. With the interwebs, he's a celebrity. Another one is timecube. I warn you not to go to that place, as therein only madness and sorrow live.

Something about how negative one times negative one is negative one. Then they go on to ascribe sides of the earth to races. What is it with crazies and race? It seems like nutters are attracted to bizarre racial theories like nerds to the interwebs.

Of course, there are a few more widely accepted ones, too. Zeitgeist is a big youtube video some worship like the religion it tries to disprove. And everyone knows of Loose Change, the youtube video that claims 9/11 was an inside job.

Dark Side #2: Providing support groups for horribleness.

Everyone is different, right? And these differences should be celebrated and encouraged, right? Wrong. There are some weird, messed up people in the world who should be ashamed of who they are.

In the past, they've lurked in basements (their parents') and back alleys, rightfully ashamed of who they are. Now, thanks to the interwebs, they can meet others like them and form supporting groups, encouraging them to be all freaky and awful.

I sound really mean right now, but I'm sure you'll agree when you realize I'm talking about groups like NAMBLA. Seriously, go check that out, then curse at me for getting that on your browser history. You're probably on a watch list... sorry.

These are people that could never meet in person. How would they start talking about that subject? But thanks to the anonymity, here they are, in all their freakish raiment. This category also includes pro-anorexia blogs and websites for white supremacy groups (though, sadly, they existed way before the interwebs).

Dark Side #3: Avenues for Illegal and Unethical Actions

Okay, sure, you can e-mail your drug dealer, but that's not what I'm talking about. Go on down to Craig's list and look under the job section. There is usually an adult area, in which all sorts of actions which aren't technically prostitution can be found.

How do I know about this? I'm not on trial here!

Also, as the Renaissance Woman found, marriage is far from a sacred institution on the interwebs. Just check out Ashley Madison. Sure, I've seen worse, but man, that is one heck of a website.

Imagine if you found that on your husband/wife's history. Even if they were curious or incredulous, how much would that hurt the old trust factor? I can't help but wonder how long it will be until divorce courts start demanding to see membership lists from them.

Dark Side #4: Creepy social networking sites, and other forms of data mining.

I've already covered this pretty well here. But this also applies to google, (I don't think a link is necessary, do you?) and their creepy e-mail reading algorithms.

Dark Side #5: All the gross stuff.

I'll do us both a favor and leave this description blank.

The dark side of the interwebs... a horrifying look at humanity's ugly side brought into the light. Beware, my fellow divers, and avoid looking directly at it. If you have any other knowledge of dark sides of the interwebs, please please please please don't tell me.