This is the story of Saint Joseph, a city in the US state of Missouri, and the man who caused many of its residents - as well as the director of this very documentary - no end of trouble. Something that began with a rather bizarre incident at an IHop restaurant in the city in the summer of 2018. From there anyone in the town who has not given the man exactly what he wanted, has questioned his actions or opinions, or has simply disagreed with him - including politicians, law enforcement officers, journalists, and even a band - have suffered a barrage of online vitriol and abuse. As we're introduced to some of the titular Social Media Monster's victims you quickly get a sense of just how unrelenting this whole ordeal has been, and continues to be. Yes, rather unbelievably, this is still ongoing.
The whole situation is oddly fascinating. Equal parts fascinating and terrifying, at least. Director Peter John Ross draws you into this nightmare to the point where it becomes captivating. But it's not the scare factor that makes it so captivating, it's bewilderment. The bewilderment of all those caught up in this incredibly odd situation as to how they even got to this place. Social Media Monster serves as a reminder - as if we ever needed one - of the world we live in, the dangers of the internet, and that anyone can fall victim to this kind of harassment. The documentary demonstrates how the law is unable to keep up with advances in technology and how social media companies aren't doing much to help. And yet there are times when Social Media Monster is simply hysterical. Even as the situation escalates to ludicrous levels, bouts of uncontrollable laughter are inevitable.
But this is far from a one-sided take because the man himself, Matthew, makes regular appearances throughout thanks to excerpts from the many videos he has posted to social media. Videos in which he postures and rambles in a Trump-like fashion. And much like the former President, he offers little, if any evidence in support of his claims. Usually internet trolls enjoy the anonymity that the internet provides, but Matthew seems to revel in the idea that those he's targeting know he's behind these online attacks, adding a scary element to this sorry affair. It's a shame then that many of Matthew's online ramblings whizz by so quickly that I was forced to pause the film in order to read them.
Surprisingly, what really shines through the lunacy is a sense of positivity from the victims. Naturally you feel sorry for them, but at the same time you have to admire their resilience in the face of such animosity and aggression. The way they have channelled their experiences in positive ways is impressive, to say the least. Not to mention the fact that despite everything he has done, they clearly feel sorry for their abuser. But that kind of sympathy can only stretch so far. Which is why this documentary is so important; not only is Social Media Monster about spreading awareness, a warning to all who use the internet, it's also a plea to Matthew... to stop.
An in-depth examination of the ongoing behaviour of a single internet troll. Social Media Monster is a fascinating, hilarious, and rather terrifying look at the dangers posed by the internet. Obviously this is not where the story ends, and with plans for a follow-up in the works, I am curious to know more.
9/10
Social Media Monster is available to stream on YouTube.
It should have been available on Amazon Prime Video from 31st May, and more recently on Tubi, but the subject of this documentary - surprise, surprise - trolled the streaming companies, so they took it down.
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