About this episode

This episode discusses the controversial Dare Market platform, hantavirus concerns, and the implications of a viral interview on the music industry.

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…

Topics covered

• Dare Market
• hantavirus
• JPMorgan lawsuit
• music industry
• influencer campaigns
• attention economy

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