Watch InRealLife

InRealLife is a thought-provoking documentary film released in 2013, exploring the impact of the internet on the lives of young people around the world. The film takes its name from the term "in real life," or IRL, which is often used to distinguish online interactions from physical ones. Directed by Beeban Kidron, the film features interviews with teenagers from the United Kingdom, as well as experts in the fields of psychology, sociology, and technology.

At the heart of the film is the question of whether the internet is a force for good or evil. Many of the teenagers interviewed see the internet as a way to escape the pressures of their daily lives, to connect with others who share their interests, and to express themselves in ways that they might not be able to do in person. However, the film also paints a disturbing picture of the darker side of online culture, including cyber-bullying, addiction, and the sexual exploitation of minors.

Ryan is one of the teenagers interviewed in the film, and he is representative of many young people who spend a significant amount of time on the internet. He talks about his love for playing online games, and the sense of community he feels when he is interacting with other players. However, Ryan also acknowledges that he has experienced cyber-bullying, and he talks about how hurtful it can be when anonymous strangers send him hateful messages.

Ben is another teenager featured in the film, and he is less optimistic about the impact of the internet on young people. He talks about how addictive social media can be, and how it can interfere with his ability to focus on schoolwork or other activities. He also expresses concern about the way that online interactions can distance people from each other, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding.

Sherry Turkle, a renowned psychologist and author, features prominently in the film. She has written extensively about the impact of technology on human relationships, and she is a vocal critic of some of the more extreme effects of the internet. In the film, she talks about how online culture can encourage a kind of "performance mode," where people are always trying to present themselves in the best possible light. This, she argues, can lead to a lack of authenticity and vulnerability in personal interactions.

Overall, InRealLife is a powerful exploration of a topic that is becoming more and more relevant in our modern world. The film raises important questions about the role of technology in our lives, and the ways in which it can both help and harm us. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the impact of the internet on young people, and for those who are concerned about the future of human relationships in an increasingly digital world.

InRealLife is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.