The documentary "Can't Feel Nothing" by American director David Borenstein had its world premiere at the CPH:DOX festival, before being acquired by London-based distributor Journeyman Pictures for international sale.
A journey behind the scenes of the digital world
Narrated by Borenstein himself, a phone addict and producer of films about technology, the documentary takes us on a journey around the world to meet those who pull the strings of online emotional manipulation. The director exposes the systems put in place by internet companies to exploit human emotions.
Revealing portraits
The film is structured around specific human emotions and features several memorable characters:
- An American internet troll specializing in orchestrating anger
- A dominatrix who controls her clients via cameras, a metaphor for technological domination
- Elena, a Macedonian surgeon who writes fake news to pay for her studies
- A Chinese live-streaming influencer who is destroying his health by drinking alcohol in front of his camera to earn a living
A title with a double meaning
The title reflects two realities: the platforms never let us "feel nothing" because we are only worth money if we are stimulated, but it also evokes the resulting emotional numbness.
The director concludes on an optimistic note, calling for collective reflection on our relationship with digital technology.
For more information, see the original article on Variety.
Source: 'Can't Feel Nothing,' About Age of Social Media, Boarded by Journeyman
This summary aims to be transparent and neutral. disconnecto intervenes here as an observer of the digital landscape, without taking a position. We invite you to consult the original source for a complete reading.
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