About this episode
The episode discusses a landmark social media addiction case involving Meta and YouTube, featuring an interview with addiction psychiatrist Anna Lembke and exploring the rise of AI influencers.
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-2026 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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Marianna Spring, Matt Shea
Guest: Anna Lembke
Topics covered
- social media addiction
- persuasive design
- AI influencers
- political propaganda
- tech companies
Keywords
- social media
- addiction
- AI influencers
- Meta
- YouTube
- political propaganda
- persuasive design
- OnlyFans
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Meta, YouTube, Instagram, OnlyFans, BBC
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