Top Comment

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/m002wwqx
If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

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 [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

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 [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

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 [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

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 [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.