Ep 2. October 11, 2016

On October 11, 2016, VICE News Tonight aired its second episode of the season with a focus on the final leg of the U.S. presidential election campaigns and the powerful effects of online harassment on people's lives.

The episode begins with a report on the chaotic final weeks of the presidential election and the heated second debate that took place between the candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Correspondent Michael Moynihan speaks to Trump supporters in Florida, where the Republican nominee has gained a significant edge, as well as Clinton supporters in North Carolina, which is considered to be a key battleground state. Through interviews with political experts, pollsters, and everyday citizens, the episode sheds light on the intense political polarization in the country and the impact of the candidates’ policies on voters' lives.

The show then turns its attention to a serious issue affecting many people, particularly women, on social media: online harassment. A report by VICE News' Elle Reeve uncovers the harmful and pervasive nature of online abuse and how it has a devastating impact on the emotional and mental well-being of victims. She speaks with several individuals who have been targeted by trolls on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and shares heartbreaking stories of how they were driven to consider suicide, lost their jobs, or were forced to relocate after being doxxed. Reeve talks to an expert at the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, who explains how harassment has become a tool for hate groups to gain more followers and visibility, and describes the different types of tactics they use to target their victims.

As a counterpoint to the negative effects of social media, the episode ends on a slightly more optimistic note by highlighting its potential to connect people across different backgrounds and with diverse experiences. Correspondent Isobel Yeung visits an online community, "100 Days, 100 Voices," that allows people across the US to share their stories – positive or negative – of the first 100 days of the new presidential administration, regardless of their political affiliation. Yeung talks to people who have joined the community and shares some of their experiences, which range from personal struggles to political activism. The report underscores the power of social media to foster empathy and understanding among people who may not have previously connected with one another.

Overall, VICE News Tonight's second episode for the season draws attention to two of the most pressing issues affecting the United States in 2016: the polarized political climate and the rise of online harassment and hate speech. Through a combination of in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and firsthand accounts, the show provides a nuanced understanding of these issues and their implications for individuals and society as a whole. It also highlights the potential for social media to be used positively as a platform for dialogue and connection.