PLEASE HATE ME
THE STORY.
Online hate is an extremely fast-growing phenomenon. Hate comments, threats and discrimination have exploded in recent years. But what exactly is our fascination with hatred? Gossip and backbiting are of all times, but social media has created a perfect platform to instigate and encourage hatred. And since algorithms allow hate comments to score better than positive reactions, a growing number of influencers seize the opportunity. Especially in a world where people are increasingly looking for recognition, appreciation and fame, negative attention seems to have become a better option than no attention at all.
But what is it like to be young, famous and hated? How can you use online hate to your advantage? And how far will you go with this? Please Hate Me dives into a world where hatred is commodified and dislikes are worth more than likes. The documentary film is an intimate portrait of the first generation of 'hatewatch influencers' who use online hate as a road to fame and fortune.
THE PRODUCTION.
Getting influencers to participate in a documentary is easy. Questioning their innermost feelings is a completely different story. Especially finding out what underlies their need for attention and recognition requires the necessary tactics. Building a bond of trust was essential to allow me into their world beyond the social media mask. And where at first glance there was little sympathy for these ‘hate-bait’ influencers, including for myself, I was able to understand them better and better during the production process. No matter how big the differences, in the end we hardly differ from each other. Every person needs recognition, but if life has taught you hard lessons at a young age, then in the long run it does not seem to matter what form that recognition takes. Attention is attention, and attention is proof of existence.
My role
Director and scenario
Release
December 2021
Length
45 minutes
Film location
the Netherlands
Year of production
2021
Streamer
Videoland by RTL
Production house
Scenery
More info on
videoland.com
“My biggest fear is that I will become less famous, that I will be forgotten. Because if my fame disappears, I have nothing.”
THE STILLS.
