Sander versus the socials (2023)

In the early days of the internet, we were promised more information, more connection and more democracy. Political and social media are now closely intertwined, but social media has become a hotbed of hate and intimidation. More and more politicians, activists and journalists feel limited in their actions. Can democracy still do its work? And how has the Internet, with its democratic promise, been able to disrupt society so much? Sander Schimmelpenninck is in The Hague and Rotterdam where he speaks with a young councilor, members of the House of Representatives, Sigrid Kaag and a former internet troll.

The truth on social media is missing and those who fight for the truth are in real danger. Such as journalist Willem Groeneveld, to whom Molotov cocktails are thrown in the mailbox by conspiracy theorists. How can a democracy function without truth? Sander talks to Bas van Sluijs, among others, with whom he ended up in an unnecessary online argument. He also speaks to Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen about how the algorithm sacrifices the truth for profit. Meanwhile, in Berlin, social media moderators are standing up against their appalling working conditions.

How do we combat the lawlessness of the Internet? What are the dangers? And why do we watch so passively? People with an opinion have to learn to live with threats, shady companies steal the elections. Sander Schimmelpenninck reports one of his attackers and experiences how slow the law responds to the online world. He speaks to Marc van Ranst, who had an ex-soldier with a loaded rifle lying in front of his house. Whistleblower Chris Wylie explains how the Brexit campaign used disinformation and private data to influence voters. Robert van Noorda is a troll hunter.

What now? Sander Schimmelpenninck is looking for possible solutions. What about the new European Digital Services Act? A step in the right direction or mustard after the meal? Sander meets Alice Stolmeijer, who lobbies in Brussels for more supervision and regulations. He speaks in London with lawyer Jamie Susskind, who is thinking about democratization. And Marietje Schaake, who works around the corner from Silicon Valley, indicates what Big Tech itself is (not) planning to do in terms of change. Or is it all okay? During a visit to a social studies lesson in Zwolle, Sander sees that youth may not be as impressionable as we think.