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About This Podcast
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 [email protected] 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.
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Recent Episodes
Belfast, Henry Nowak, and how Grok is supercharging misinfo
After a second night of rioting in Belfast, social media companies are being accused of playing a role in creating disorder. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has said an update to the Online Safety…
Is Hasan Piker NSFW now? And Tung Tung's generational run
When Twitch streamer Hasan Piker was denied entry into the UK this week, it rekindled a conversation around the Home Office's approach to free speech. From Kanye West to Valentina Gomez, the list of…
Sleuth wars, incels in STEM, and just want Harambe back
An inquest is set to open on Friday into the deaths of three sisters whose bodies were recovered from the sea off the coast of Brighton. The case has led to rampant speculation online, particularly…
Why you're wrong about Palantir, and TL;DR Tolkien
The US tech giant Palantir holds contracts with some of the most influential entities in the world, from government departments and pharmaceutical companies to military contractors and banking…
BONUS: Taylor Lorenz says "don't blame social media"
On this bonus interview episode, Matt and Marianna are joined in the studio by leading social media journalist Taylor Lorenz. They discuss the evolution of meme culture, Clavicular's enduring…
Decline porn (part II), VPN patriotism, and Charli XCX's finsta drop
Foreign-based social media accounts are masquerading as patriotic Brits lamenting the UK's 'decline'. These profiles, which use AI to amplify anti-immigrant rhetoric, are being viewed and shared by…
Dare Market, hantavirus, and wtf is going on at JPMorgan?
Launched last year, the website Dare Market describes itself as "the platform where you can dare anyone to do almost anything for real cash bounties". On this episode, Marianna speaks to Isla Rose…
Shooting conspiracies, breakup texts, and Dana White's cortisol spike
Following an apparent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night, dozens of high-profile conservative accounts posted almost identical reactions on…
BONUS: Live at Maida Vale Studios
For this bonus episode, Matt and Marianna are joined by producer Laurie on stage at Castfest - a live event at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios. They discuss why we're making Top Comment, the challenges…
Haley Beck explained, and the crypto operation hijacking the BBC
Haley Beck - the sister of influencer Noah Beck - has denied wrongdoing after police recommended she be charged over allegations she cultivated a sexual relationship with a student in Arizona. The…
Coachella, GRWM fakers, and Justin Bieber is chronically online
Ahead of Coachella's second weekend, Matt and Marianna are discussing how the festival often referred to as the 'Influencer Olympics' has become a microcosm of creator culture. They chat about people…
Iran, slopaganda, and the lego-inspired creator behind it all
Lego-inspired characters depicting conflict in the Middle East. This Iranian brand of so-called slopaganda has been viewed hundreds of millions of times and it is colouring the conversation around…
Misogyny, boomers, and China just got Krissed
When newly-elected Green Party MP Hannah Spencer gave her maiden speech on International Women's Day, she was subject to a torrent of online abuse targeting her appearance, with one user on X…
Meta, YouTube, and a damning addiction verdict
After a California jury found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction case, we explain why the platforms you use may soon be unrecognisable. Plus - an exclusive interview with an…
Whistleblowers, dolphin memes, and a million dollar toilet
How has an algorithmic arms race created an environment where controversial and incendiary content is routinely amplified on our feeds? On this episode, Marianna discusses her latest investigation,…
Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era
Almost six weeks since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (the 84-year-old mother of Today show host, Savannah Guthrie) the case which has shocked America remains unsolved. It's also led to a host of…
School wars, Dubai's crisis PR, and is Fabrizio cancelled?
A series of posts appearing to encourage violence between neighbouring UK schools has caused widespread moral panic, and prompted police forces to issue dispersal orders. But, with zero incidents…
Kalshi, Polymarket, and gamifying the future
Over the past year, prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in popularity, as users bet on everything from battles in Ukraine to sex toys being thrown at sports games. So with…
Decline porn explained, and why Clavicular is misunderstood
If your feed has been flooded with content about the 'dangers' of western cities like London or San Francisco, you're not alone - it's part of a growing phenomenon known as decline porn, and it's…
Introducing... Top Comment
In this brand new weekly show, BBC correspondent Marianna Spring and investigative journalist Matt Shea talk through the stories behind your social media feed. From global events that go viral, to…
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Comment has published 84 episodes since February 2022, covering topics in Documentary, News.
Top Comment is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 20m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Top Comment, including email and social media links.
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