The presenter embarks on a deeply personal investigation into trolling, anonymity and online harassment after years of abuse directed at him and his family
Brian and Arthur on Toxic Threads
Brian Dowling makes a shocking discovery after learning details of his family home have been shared online in a powerful new documentary.
Toxic Threads sees the TV presenter lead a deeply personal investigation into the toxic world of online trolling and harassment.
After years of abuse directed at him, his family, his sexuality and his parenting, Brian sets out to understand who is behind the anonymous accounts posting hateful content online, why they do it, and what can be done to hold them accountable.
When the Six O’Clock Show host discovers that details of his family home have been shared online, he begins an emotional journey into one of the internet’s darkest corners.
Meeting fellow victims, campaigners and experts, Brian explores the devastating real-world impact online abuse can have on those targeted, while asking whether existing systems are doing enough to protect victims and what the consequences are for the perpetrators.
Among them is award-winning journalist and author Aoife Moore, who speaks candidly about the serious abuse she experienced while working as a political correspondent. From threats and intimidation to deeply personal details being shared online, Aoife reveals the lasting impact sustained harassment can have on a person’s wellbeing and why stronger action is needed to tackle those responsible.
Brian also meets Dr Darragh McCashin, Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology at DCU and Chair of the Observatory on Cyberbullying, Cyberhate and Online Harassment at the Anti-Bullying Centre. Drawing on the latest research, Dr McCashin explains how online hate disproportionately impacts women, LGBTQ+ communities and other minoritised groups. He reveals that only a small proportion of victims ever report online hate to An Garda Síochána, with many believing there is no point doing so, while more than 40% of those surveyed said the abuse came from complete strangers.
Brian Dowling on Toxic Threads
During filming, Brian makes a shocking discovery when he learns that details of his home remain publicly accessible online despite previous efforts to have them removed. Looking for answers, Coimisiún na Meán shares advive about how harmful content is regulated and why reporting abusive material is so important. He then turns to experienced private investigator Liam Brady, hoping to trace the anonymous account responsible for sharing his address online.
Along the way, the dad of two hears from comedian, poet and storyteller Aoife Dunne, who describes becoming the target of a coordinated online far-right pile-on and shares how she chose to challenge those responsible, confronting the behaviour rather than remaining silent.
Seeking to better understand why trolls behave the way they do, Brian meets cyberpsychology researcher Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, who explores the psychological factors behind online harassment and why people do it. Together they examine some of the messages Brian has received and unpack why people often behave very differently behind a screen than they would in person.
The documentary also sees Brian explore the legal avenues available to victims of online abuse with solicitor Sarah Watson, before meeting Senator Eileen Flynn, who speaks about the online abuse she has faced throughout her career and the attempts to disempower her as a Traveller woman in politics.
Finally, Brian meets former Garda Antoinette Cunningham, who shares how she and her family became the target of false and offensive allegations online. Her experience provides a powerful example of accountability and highlights the importance of reporting abuse and preserving evidence.
Toxic Threads airs Monday October 12th at 9pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media PLAY.
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