Networked communications plays a major role within Black Mirror: The National Anthem. Early on within the episode we are able to see how digital networks, specifically social media and news platforms can take over the public's opinion. The episode demonstrated the idea of how modern digital communication can turn a private incident into a public matter within minutes.
Once the video of Princess Susannah got released it quickly spread online and appeared on television, online platforms, and the internet. This shows us how information today does not stay in one place, rather it moves quickly through interconnected networks. Another way networked communication is displayed is through the public's reaction to the demands being asked of the Prime Minister. Once the message was released online it opened up a door for people to express their opinions, some people took the situation seriously while others made jokes of it. This expresses how digital communication allows for people who are not even involved to shape the narrative of what is going on. Rather than just having access to the information, they are also becoming a part of the situation by changing narratives.
At the same time, the episode highlights the downside of how fast information can be spread. Since the news spread so quickly, most people did not verify that the information was correct and instead just commented on what they were seeing online. The longer the video was out, it became more like entertainment rather than a serious problem. No matter how disturbing the topic got, people were still watching the events live and talking about it with others. This shows that some times the internet can turn serious events into something people watch without questioning which is probably the scariest part of it all.
This episode also highlights how networked communications can have an effect on political pressure. Since the demands were no longer private, the Prime Minister and the rest of the government had to make sure they pleased both the kidnapper and the reactions of the public. In a way digital networks can create this constant need for feedback, leading to the publics opinion affecting decision making in real time.