Top Comment

Sleuth wars, incels in STEM, and just want Harambe back 29.05.2026 25min

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 after it emerged that a widely shared image provided by family members appeared to be AI-generated. From unfounded conspiracies about serial killers, to a broader debate over the handling of cases involving black people, it has captivated TikTok sleuths, some of whom are even turning on each other.Also this week - a decade on from his death, Matt and Marianna remember Harambe, the gorilla who achieved internet immortality. Plus, an intriguing job ad from a virtual relationship site, and the Fox News interview being reposted over false claims that a featured contributor was wearing a prosthetic mask.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Why you're wrong about Palantir, and TL;DR Tolkien 22.05.2026 27min

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 powerhouses. Funding links to the CIA, misconceptions about how it operates, and broader concerns surrounding the use of private data, have all led to a significant protest movement online at the firm's increasing integration into major institutions. On this episode, Matt and Marianna consider why a narrative framing Palantir as a malevolent force is flourishing on social media, and ask whether this stealthy reputation actually suits its business model.Also this week, after a former Meta AI researcher told the BBC that smart glasses are "an invasion of privacy", is being filmed covertly for content a new reality of everyday life?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

BONUS: Taylor Lorenz says "don't blame social media" 19.05.2026 41min

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 virality, and why Elon Musk briefly kicked her off X. Plus, as the list of countries seeking stricter regulation of social media grows, why is Taylor so resistant to the legislation being proposed in the UK and US, and what are the alternatives?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Decline porn (part II), VPN patriotism, and Charli XCX's finsta drop 15.05.2026 25min

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 vast audiences who are often unaware of the content's origin. The BBC has seen evidence that dozens of those posting from Eastern Europe to South Asia are coordinating their activity through group chats, with some even claiming to be in communication with political actors inside the UK. Marianna and Matt discuss the ideological approach of these remote creators, and explain why their tactics are reminiscent of modern state-backed influence campaigns.Also this week, the TikTok users reclaiming fruit from AI, and why Charli XCX's latest promo campaign is splitting opinion.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.Listeners in the UK can see Marianna's full Panorama investigation here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002wwqxIf you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Dare Market, hantavirus, and wtf is going on at JPMorgan? 08.05.2026 33min

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 Perfito, the founder of the site inviting comparisons to Black Mirror. From the individuals putting themselves at risk for financial gain, to brands sponsoring increasingly outlandish challenges, we ask whether her vision of a flourishing attention economy which rewards small entrepreneurial creators is realistic. And, why did the Church of Scientology send her a cease and desist letter?Also this week, a viral interview from SXSW has reignited online discourse surrounding music's so-called 'industry plants'. Revelations about fake influencer campaigns are calling into question the rapid rise of bands and artists like Geese and Oklou, who were once celebrated for growing loyal audiences independently. In an online ecosystem dominated by digital marketing, Matt considers whether the concept of discovering new music organically is now an illusion.Plus - panic over hantavirus, and the wild JPMorgan lawsuit sending meme production into overdrive.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Shooting conspiracies, breakup texts, and Dana White's cortisol spike 01.05.2026 26min

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 X. On this episode, Matt and Marianna explain why some people think these posts are coordinated, and debunk false claims the event itself was staged.Also this week, why are conspiracy theories surrounding the tick-borne infection Lyme disease receiving so much online attention? And, the AI songs TikTok users are creating with texts from their ex.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

BONUS: Live at Maida Vale Studios 28.04.2026 28min

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 of reporting on fast-moving internet culture stories, and some highlights from previous episodes.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Haley Beck explained, and the crypto operation hijacking the BBC 24.04.2026 22min

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 case is receiving outsized attention on TikTok, from testimonies by the teacher's former students, to those dissecting the thousands of messages she exchanged with the alleged victim. As details from a police report dubbed the 'Beckstein files' continue to circulate, Marianna and Matt consider what this coverage means for the rights of those at the centre of the case, and the integrity of any potential prosecution.Also this week, we're looking at the highly convincing fake BBC news articles being promoted on Truth social and other major sites. One example, which describes a fictional altercation on Question Time between Nigel Farage and the governor of the Bank of England, appears to be an elaborate attempt to promote a murky crypto operation.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Coachella, GRWM fakers, and Justin Bieber is chronically online 17.04.2026 24min

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 posting from their hotels without ever entering the event, the TikTokers mourning collapsed brand deals which may never have existed, and the AI influencers sharing their generated experiences in the desert.Also this week, social media outrage appears to be fuelling protests over Surrey Police's response to the rape of a young woman by a group of men in Epsom. As online speculation grows about the racial identity of the suspects, how does this situation compare to more extreme examples of violence such as the Southport Riots?Plus, as Johnny Somali is jailed in South Korea and Clavicular is hospitalised after an apparent overdose, we explain why streamers feel increasingly incentivised to take risks for their content.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Iran, slopaganda, and the lego-inspired creator behind it all 11.04.2026 25min

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 the US and Israel's war with Iran. On this episode, we speak to a key creator behind the content - the man who calls himself Mr Explosive - and challenge him on his connection to the Iranian government. Also this week, will a TikToker running into the Church of Scientology's LA headquarters rekindle the trend of 'trespasser content'? And how Nutella are capitalising on the historic Artemis II space mission.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Misogyny, boomers, and China just got Krissed 03.04.2026 29min

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 prompting Grok to "smarten up" her look. The chatbot continues to be flooded with similar requests, despite a crackdown by the platform on 'undressing' content earlier this year. Marianna and Matt discuss how AI is supercharging misogyny online, and hear from Hannah Spencer about her experience.Also on this episode, apparently it's a bad week to be a boomer (unless you're Kris Jenner). We chat about Paul McCartney's Reddit ban, the leaked photos exposing the private life of Kristi Noem's husband, and a crypto hoax wrongly announcing the death of a 194-year-old tortoise.Plus, why an animatronic snowman is sending the internet into meltdown.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Meta, YouTube, and a damning addiction verdict 27.03.2026 29min

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 expert witness from the trial, the world-leading addiction psychiatrist Anna Lembke, about how tech companies used persuasive design techniques found in gambling to keep us hooked online. Also on this episode, after Instagram and OnlyFans removed the accounts of the so-called 'Maga dream girl', Matt and Marianna discuss the world of AI influencers. As an increasing number of virtual creators amass millions of followers, is this becoming a medium for political propaganda? And do regular users care if they are real or not?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.Apply for tickets to Castfest here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Whistleblowers, dolphin memes, and a million dollar toilet 20.03.2026 30min

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, which provides a paper trail showing how social media giants ignored internal warnings about the design of their platforms. She's heard from whistleblowers about problematic moderation practices, how companies deal with so-called borderline content, and the troubling reality that algorithms may now be beyond our control. Also this week, we look at the website 'your ai slop bores me' which launched two weeks ago and is already claiming over a million unique visitors. It may look like a chatbot, but this is actually humans cosplaying as generative AI and completing mundane tasks for one another. Matt explains how this relates to what's becoming known as the 'meat layer', where humans are used to prop up the shortcomings of artificial intelligence.Plus, how did a satirical post about a man being kidnapped by dolphins inspire a whole ecosystem of memes? And can you really make a million dollars online by selling ad space on your toilet seat?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era 13.03.2026 30min

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 online amateur sleuths broadcasting their own investigations to a mass audience on TikTok, with many descending on Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona. Marianna has reached out to some of the people posting to discuss their motives, the issue of misinformation and the risk of undermining an active investigation. And, as TikTok montages from the official account of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attract criticism and ridicule, why do established politicians often struggle to thrive on the platform? Matt has been getting the perspective of the strategists behind some of the most successful political campaigns on social media.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

School wars, Dubai's crisis PR, and is Fabrizio cancelled? 06.03.2026 27min

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 reported, could the 'red vs blue' phenomenon be a phantom trend? Matt and Marianna discuss the knowledge gap between parents and younger people on social media, and how online frenzies can have dangerous real-world consequences.Also, has Iran's retaliation to days of US-Israeli strikes exposed the reality of Dubai's flourishing influencer economy? As people in the UAE shelter from the threat of drones, content creators have been warned by the Emirati government about what they choose to share.And, one of the world's biggest football journalists, Fabrizio Romano, is attracting criticism for a paid advert endorsing Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid agency.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Kalshi, Polymarket, and gamifying the future 27.02.2026 34min

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 concerns over both regulation and the prevalence of insider information inviting intense scrutiny, Matt has been examining how these platforms really work.Also on this episode, is the recent rise in measles cases in London down to disinformation? With several proponents of vaccine scepticism being welcomed back to social media, Marianna explains how these often discredited accounts are being amplified online.And, as the viral story of Punch the monkey and his orangutan companion drives mass sales of an Ikea soft toy, we consider how brands are increasingly looking to profit from organic content through 'trendjacking'.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Decline porn explained, and why Clavicular is misunderstood 20.02.2026 31min

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 driving narratives of political neglect and uncontrolled immigration.On this episode, Marianna examines a niche take on this trend - AI videos which falsely portray zoos and waterparks in Croydon. She tracks down the original creator of these posts, and explains why they might not be as innocent as they seem.Also, Matt has been investigating Clavicular - the internet's man of the moment. After signing up to his 'looksmaxxing' course, we discuss the controversial relationships propping up his virality, and what the mainstream media is getting wrong about the streaming sensation. Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. The commissioning producer is Nathan Jones. The commissioning editor is Rhian Roberts. If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Introducing... Top Comment 19.02.2026 1min

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 bizarre moments that spill into real life, Marianna and Matt unpack the trends, theories and digital chaos shaping our world.

Marianna in Conspiracyland 2: 6. The Inquest 02.10.2025 29min

Can Coroners' courts cope with conspiracy? It’s been more than a year since Paloma Shemirani died after rejecting chemotherapy in favour of alternative methods. Her brother Gabriel blames the beliefs of their mum Kate - who is a prominent British conspiracy theorist - for his sister’s death. This summer, he’s found himself face to face with his mum for the first time since Paloma died at an inquest into how and why she lost her life. After investigating - and revealing - what happened to Paloma for the first time almost four months ago, the BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring is back following the twists and turns of an inquest that has felt like Conspiracyland colliding with the real world. In the coroner’s court she see’s medics questioned by conspiracy theorists and tense family feuds unfolding in real-time. Could Paloma have been saved? And can society handle Conspiracyland?

Marianna in Conspiracyland 2: 5. A collective immune system 23.06.2025 24min

Can people fight back against medical misinformation? In the months after Paloma’s death, her brothers say they want to prevent other deaths, and they believe social media companies should take stronger action against medical misinformation. Meanwhile her Mum, Kate Shemirani, takes to social media to share a different account of her death. She has promoted a range of unproven theories on social media and podcasts about how Paloma was murdered by medical staff. The BBC has not seen evidence to support this. The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring interrogates whether and how some politicians and social media companies are emboldening anti-medicine conspiracy theorists, and speaks to a former cancer surgeon and patient trying to bust cancer myths online. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Sound Engineer: Tony Churnside Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama.