The story behind your social media feed, from BBC correspondent Marianna Spring and investigative journalist Matt Shea. Top Comment investigates what's blowing up online. From global events that go viral across social media, to bizarre moments that spill into real life, Marianna and Matt unpack the trends, theories and digital chaos shaping our world. If you want to get in touch about something you saw when scrolling, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk (mailto:topcomment@bbc.co.uk) or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. You can also hear Marianna's previous series for the BBC in this feed, including Marianna in Conspiracyland, Why Do You Hate Me?, Disaster Trolls, Death by Conspiracy? and War on Truth.
What this show covers
social mediainternet culturecryptoinfluencersconspiracy cultureFrances HaugenAI accountabilityMetaWhistleblowingFacebookinternet discoursecampus cultureCornellonline backlashHunter Biden
What listeners will find here
Frances Haugen on Facebook, AI accountability, and what changed five years later
Frances Haugen returns to discuss the fallout from her 2021 Facebook leaks and why social media companies still appear to be doubling down on engagement. The episode also looks at tech accountability in the age of AI, the risks facing whistleblowers, and reactions to The Social Reckoning.
How a Cornell assault case turned into a wider fight over campus culture and online justice
An alleged gang rape at a Cornell fraternity house drives this episode, as Marianna Spring and Matt Shea unpack the civil suit, the reopened criminal investigation, and the social media backlash. They also look at where outrage online can tip into doxxing, misidentification, and censorship.
Hunter Biden’s online comeback meets a crypto reality check
Hunter Biden’s sudden image rehab is the focus here, from a viral Andrew Callaghan interview to questions about whether a crypto venture has damaged his new following. The episode also digs into Channing Tatum’s alleged burner-account drama and why celebrities lurk anonymously online.
Deepfake ‘wizards,’ misogyny online, and the influencers rebranding Taliban rule
Sexualised deepfakes and the communities that make them are at the center of this episode, alongside Marianna Spring’s experience finding artificially “nudified” images of herself. It also examines how pro-Taliban online figures court Western influencers and touches on AI whistleblowers.
How Charlie Kirk became a meme-world fixture after death
Charlie Kirk’s posthumous online afterlife is the focus here, as Marianna Spring and Matt Shea explore how he became a ubiquitous figure in meme culture. The episode also touches on Tommy Robinson’s latest diss track and a message from Sneako.
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