Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud Is the cyberbullying doc Unknown Number exploiting its young subjects, and DC's Peacemaker
Sep 11, 2025
Lauren Smiley, an investigative journalist known for her captivating work, discusses a chilling cyberbullying case where a mother tormented her own daughter. She reveals the ethical dilemmas around documenting minors' trauma in films like 'Unknown Number.' Culture critic Pablo The Don shares insights into the unique appeal of DC's 'Peacemaker,' exploring its blend of humor and dark themes. Their conversation reflects on the impact of technology, familial relationships, and the transformation of wrestlers into Hollywood icons.
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Internet Anonymity Disrupts Small-Town Life
- The case shows how internet anonymity can upend small-town social dynamics where everyone thinks they know each other.
- Tech amplified existing community tensions and exposed limits of parental and school control over teens' phones.
Protect Minors' Identities
- Protect minors' identities when they are victims and did not consent to interviews.
- Use pseudonyms and disclose that choice, especially before visual documentaries appear.
Streaming Success Creates Ethical Tension
- Netflix crafts documentaries to maximize engagement and cultural conversation.
- That success raises ethical questions about who gets to be seen and when.