10 Horror Films Exploring the Dark Side of the Internet and Social Media

Description: Although more of a thriller, "The Net" explores the theme of identity theft and the dangers of the internet, which can be terrifying in its own right. A computer programmer's life is turned upside down when her identity is stolen online.

Fact: The film was one of the first to address the issue of internet security and identity theft. It also features Sandra Bullock in one of her early starring roles.

Description: Ghosts use the internet to invade the world of the living, causing people to become isolated and suicidal. This American remake of a Japanese horror film delves into the fear of digital isolation.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Sonzero, who also directed the horror film "The Collector." It was also one of the first films to explore the concept of digital hauntings.

Description: A mysterious signal transmitted through the internet causes people to turn violent. This film combines elements of science fiction and horror to explore the potential of technology as a weapon.

Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days. It also features a unique twist on the concept of a viral outbreak.

Description: A fan wins a contest to meet his favorite actress, but instead, he's drawn into a web of voyeurism and manipulation through his computer screen. This thriller uses the internet as a tool for psychological horror.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, with all action taking place on computer screens. It was also Elijah Wood's first Spanish film.

Description: A college student accepts a friend request from a lonely classmate, only to unleash a curse that spreads through social media. This film explores the social pressures of online popularity and the isolation it can cause.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Unfriend" but was changed to avoid confusion with "Unfriended." It also features a unique take on the concept of a viral curse.

Description: This found-footage horror film unfolds entirely on a computer screen, showcasing the terrifying consequences of cyberbullying and the supernatural. A group of friends receive a mysterious Skype call from a classmate who committed suicide, leading to a night of digital terror.

Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with actors improvising much of their dialogue. It was also one of the first movies to be entirely set within a computer screen.

Description: While not strictly a horror film, "Searching" uses the internet as a central plot device in a thriller about a father searching for his missing daughter. The film's screenlife format adds a layer of digital dread.

Fact: The entire movie was shot on computer screens, smartphones, and other digital interfaces. It was also a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its innovative storytelling.

Description: A documentary filmmaker uses a chat service to explore online behavior, only to witness a murder live on her screen. The film delves into the dark underbelly of the internet, where anonymity breeds horror.

Fact: The movie was inspired by real-life incidents of live streaming crimes. It also uses a mix of scripted and unscripted footage to blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Description: A camgirl's identity is stolen by a doppelgänger, leading to a psychological horror story about identity, privacy, and the internet's dark side. The film explores the dangers of online personas and the loss of control over one's digital life.

Fact: The film was based on real-life experiences of camgirls. It also received praise for its accurate depiction of the camming industry.

Description: A group of friends stumble upon a dark web site that promises to fulfill their deepest desires, but at a horrifying cost. This film taps into the fear of the unknown corners of the internet.

Fact: The movie was inspired by real-life stories of the dark web. It also uses a mix of found footage and traditional narrative to heighten the sense of realism.