Top Comment

Manosphere kingpin Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in the US over the weekend after British authorities announced dozens of new charges against the pair, including rape and sex trafficking, which they deny. On this episode, we unpack the allegations being made against the influencers, and what it could mean for those associated with them. Matt, who has reported extensively on the Tate empire, describes the social media narrative being pursued by the brothers as they attempt to paint a picture of a deep state conspiracy and undermine trust in the justice system.
Also this week, should parents be able to profit from posting content of their kids on social media? From the Rizzler to Lil Tay, shooting to internet superstardom at an early age can come with criticism and complications. Marianna has been speaking to former child youtuber turned activist and entrepreneur, Beckii Flint, about the dilemmas around consent, monetisation and exploitation in a space which remains largely unregulated. And, as a new U16 ban approaches in the UK, what happens when kidfluencers become viral on platforms they can’t use?
Plus - Jimothy the viral racoon, and another affiliate marketing scandal.
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.

You may already think crypto is overexposed online, but is what we're experiencing just the tip of the iceberg? On this episode, Matt talks about his new BBC documentary in which he meets some of the tech billionaires who believe blockchain can be used to transform the fabric of society. From micronations to corporate monarchies, we outline their radical vision for the future.
Also this week, why psychologists are worried about the growing trend of ADHD self-diagnosis via social media. A study from earlier this year said 52% of ADHD-related videos on TikTok were inaccurate. Matt and Marianna discuss the real world impacts, and why this type of misinformation can attract such high levels of engagement.
Plus, Erling Haaland's 'braut summer' in Agartha.
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 Baker. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
You can watch Matt's full documentary, The Tech Billionaire Takeover, via this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002z1j2
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.

Marianna is joined by guest host Rachel Connolly to journey into the lives of femcels, tradwives, and so-called loneliness influencers. As the merits of social isolation are preached on our feeds, why has solo-maxxing gone from a cheap Gen Z life hack to a dedicated philosophy for many users? How is the femosphere shifting conversations around gender dynamics and heteropessimism? And what does the tradwife trend tell us about the perils of pursuing authenticity as a creator in the volatile world of social media?
This episode of Top Comment was recorded live at Crossed Wires in Sheffield. It was presented by Marianna Spring. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. 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.

One year on from the BBC's investigation into the death of 23-year-old Paloma Shemirani - and two years since it happened - this episode of Top Comment explores what the case tells us about the dangers of medical misinformation.
Last June, Marianna revealed how Paloma’s brothers blamed their mother - the prominent anti-medicine conspiracy theorist Kate Shemirani - for Paloma’s decision to reject chemotherapy. She denies these allegations.
Now, we speak to Paloma's twin brother Gabriel about the aftermath of the inquest, what he wants to change to protect people like his sister, and the evolution of unregulated health advice online.
This episode of Top Comment is presented by Marianna Spring. 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.
To listen to the full series investigating Paloma's death, Marianna in Conspiracy Land 2, just follow the link here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002fcbh
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.

After achieving 7% of the vote in last week's Makerfield by-election, the social-led strategy of emerging right-wing party Restore Britain has come under the spotlight. Various anecdotal reports have concluded that their relative success feels disproportionate to their presence on the ground, but their growing prominence online is inarguable - leader Rupert Lowe has over 2m followers across X and Facebook, and Elon Musk has repeatedly backed the party. So, was this a party born out of social media, and are they rejecting traditional campaigning? Marianna has been speaking to the party's chief strategist, Charlie Downes, about their approach and similar online movements which may have inspired them.
Also this week - as the World Cup group stage approaches its climax, internet discourse surrounding the tournament is already moving at a lightning pace. From the overnight fame of Vozinha and Merlin the duck to Lawrence, Kansas falling in love with the Algerian national team, it has provided a conveyor belt of viral moments. Matt and Marianna discuss whether global events like this represent an idealist vision of the benefits social media platforms could have, and why some may see it as the ultimate 'bread and circuses' distraction.
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.