Gabriel Shemirani on medical misinfo and rejecting Conspiracyland

Gabriel Shemirani on medical misinfo and rejecting Conspiracyland

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.

Restore Britain, Merlin the duck, and FIFA's content farm

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.

Agartha explained, and hot girls revolt on BookTok

The BookTok community has erupted after creator AllieRoseCo announced she had trademarked merchandise featuring the phrase 'Hot Girls Read'. User backlash was instantaneous, with many accusing her of attacking small businesses and even betraying her own followers. On this episode, Marianna explains why BookTok is such an influential marketing demographic on TikTok, and what this controversy tells us about the fragility of influencer careers tied exclusively to a personal brand. Also this week, a viral photo which appears to show Donald Trump meeting with a group of mysterious figures has led to a raft of theories about their identities. One of the most prominent narratives to emerge is that the men are representatives of the mythical kingdom Agartha. Matt dives deep into the lore on Agartha, and its adoption by Nazi occultists. Why has this theory seen such a resurgence among young people on TikTok, and how dangerous is the implicit ideology behind it? 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.

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 Act will be brought to parliament next week, putting greater pressure on platforms to remove content which seeks to incite violence. On this episode, we explain why X is receiving particular scrutiny, and how its integrated AI chatbot Grok has fuelled misinformation surrounding cases from the murder of Henry Nowak to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting. Also this week, with the UK government reportedly poised to announce significant restrictions for young people using social media, Matt and Marianna discuss how we got here. They examine some of the arguments for and against limits for under-16s, and ask whether a de facto ban could be reversible if companies address safety concerns. Plus, another platform monetising dares, and the return of fake BBC crypto ads. 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.

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 prominent names who have seen their travel plans derailed in recent months is growing, with commentators across the political spectrum accusing the government of overreaching. Piker, whose highly critical stance on Israel has led to disputed allegations of antisemitism, says he is being targeted for his position on the war in Gaza. On this episode, Matt and Marianna explain why many young people in particular are outraged by the decision, and consider whether some of his more inflammatory comments should be considered less extreme in the amplified environment of social media. Also this week, the police officers who were falsely identified in the aftermath of Henry Nowak's murder. And, how Tung Tung Tung Sahur's recent resurgence has secured his crown as the undisputed king of brainrot. 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.