People's Republic of Desire

The combination of algorithmic programming dedicated to using social networks to hijack the libidinal economy, a market comprising a fifth of the world's population, and a society fixated on the acquisition and display of wealth, produces hell on earth. Should be watched alongside TOKYO IDOLS, both in order to understand the rise of a global phenomenon and for insights into how this plays out across significant differences between Chinese and Japanese culture. Truly apocalyptic.

EXTREMELY BLEAK. amazing insight into a booming business model that seems to be at the long tail of late capital's scramble for human attention

An eye-opening look at the live streaming boom in China. If this was a Black Mirror episode, it would get criticized for being a bit too dystopian and obvious in its portrayal of the way that people worship wealth and fame. As a documentary that makes it all the more disturbing.