Ruined By The Internet? – How Social Media, AI and Technology are changing modern life

Gareth King - uncovering the human cost of the digital world
  • 4.0 (8)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Is the internet really ruining everything, or are we just looking at it wrong? Ruined By The Internet? explores how social media, AI, and technology are shaping society, culture, and modern life; including how we think, behave, and connect - whether we want it to or not. From internet culture to the psychological and human impact of tech, we look at the digital world not as a set of products, but as the environment we all live in. Through conversations with leading experts from around the world, we seek to uncover the true casualties behind today’s biggest questions: How is social media changing us? Is AI reshaping human behaviour? And what are the real consequences of our very online lives? Let us know what to look into at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/, or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow

  1. Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance?

    1D AGO

    Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance?

    The internet often turns self-improvement into a spectator sport, replacing process with performance, and pushing us to consume playbooks rather than build habits. By looking to algorithms for every answer, have we not only outsourced the experience, but forced ourselves into one-size-fits-all solutions as well? Helping us examine how the digital world affects how we try to become better versions of ourselves is Justin Leff, a Behavioural Coach who helps people with discipline, wellness and self-understanding. https://www.soliliumcoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/soliliumthoughts/ https://www.youtube.com/@SoliliumThoughts Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, we explore how the internet has transformed self-improvement, highlighting the impact of algorithms, social media, and AI on our goals, motivation, and identity. We also look at how digital environments influence our perceptions of success, and the importance of community and self-awareness. 00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Self-Improvement 03:12 Globalisation of Ideas and Goals 06:07 The Dangers of Social Comparison 09:08 The Role of Role Models in the Digital Age 12:03 Chasing Status vs. Genuine Self-Improvement 15:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery 18:05 The Process Over Quick Fixes 21:14 The Impact of Digital Overload on Motivation 24:08 Navigating Decision Fatigue in a World of Options 28:03 The Future of Self-Improvement Without Social Media 30:41 AI's Role in Tailored Self-Improvement 35:08 Finding Authentic Peer Support in Self-Improvement 37:13 The Importance of Community in Personal Growth

    39 min
  2. The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?

    MAR 21

    The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?

    The internet promised to revolutionise how we get around, delivering a modern, efficient, and affordable break from the old ways. But did the revolution simply bring an unstable, exploitative gig economy, offering the illusion of flexibility with almost zero protections? Helping us look at how technology disrupted taxis is Rod Barton, a former Victorian Member of Parliament and founder of the Transport Matters Party. ⁠https://rodbarton.com.au⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/rod-barton⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/RodBarton08⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Rod joins us to explore the impact of the internet on the Victorian taxi industry and the wider gig economy, the challenges faced by traditional taxi services as they compete with rideshare apps, the regulatory environment, and safety concerns in rideshare services. We also look at the rights of gig economy workers, the need for better protections, and the importance of government regulation in ensuring fair practices in the taxi industry and beyond. 00:00 The Impact of the Internet on the Taxi Industry 03:01 The Taxi Industry Before Uber 05:52 Regulations and Challenges in the Taxi Industry 08:57 Safety and Insurance in Rideshare Services 12:13 The Gig Economy and Worker Rights 15:05 Customer Service in the Age of Rideshare 17:50 The Future of the Gig Economy 21:00 The Role of Government in Regulating the Industry 23:55 The Path Forward for Taxi and Rideshare Services taxi industry, rideshare, Uber, gig economy, worker rights, exploitation, regulations, ridesharing, customer service, government policy, transport industry, class action

    33 min
  3. Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?

    MAR 11

    Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?

    The internet promised to be an escape from centralised power. But thanks to the domination of Big Tech and Venture Capital, has the dream of a user-controlled, peer-to-peer network been systematically stolen by a new set of gatekeepers? Joining us is Joseph Kennedy, Head of Marketing & Growth at blockchain platform Alephium. ⁠http://www.alephium.org⁠ ⁠http://www.twitter.com/bigpepghost⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkennedyuk/⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠  In this episode, Joseph joins us to explore the evolution of decentralisation in the internet age, particularly focusing on the impact of big tech and venture capital on the original ideals of blockchain technology. We discuss the rise and fall of cryptocurrencies, the role of centralised exchanges, public perception of Web3, and the influence of government regulation. We also look at the future of decentralisation, the risks posed by centralisation, and the potential for self-regulation within the crypto space. 00:00 The Promise of Decentralization and Its Erosion 02:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Crypto 06:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Infrastructure Dilemma 08:57 Public Perception of Crypto and Web3 12:11 The Influence of Regulation on Decentralized Innovations 15:08 Corporate Involvement in Web3: A Double-Edged Sword 17:52 NFTs: Beyond the Hype and Towards Utility 20:50 Value Perception in the Digital Asset Space 23:07 The Rise and Fall of Steemit 28:08 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Ethical Dilemma 30:29 Self-Regulation in the Decentralized Space 33:18 Government Control and the Decentralized Response 37:50 Barriers to Mass Adoption of Decentralization 40:12 The Future of Decentralization: A Divided Landscape 42:55 A Vision for True Decentralization #Web3 #DigitalSovereignty #BigTech #internet #technology #society #culture

    47 min
  4. Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy?

    MAR 1

    Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy?

    The internet brought connectivity unlike anything we’d ever experienced. But by making so much of our communication instant and effortless, has it actually eroded everything we need to truly connect with each other? Helping us examine how the digital world affects our ability to connect with people is Maria-Elena Lukeides, a clinical psychologist specialising in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, drawing on neuroscience, behavioural design, and evolutionary psychology. ⁠https://www.drmariaelenalukeides.com.au⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drmariaelena_lukeides/⁠ ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-lukeides-270379a5 Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Maria-Elena joins us to examine the impact of the internet and social media on human connection. We explore how digital communication has changed the nature of relationships, the illusion of connection in a hyper-connected world, the addictive nature of dopamine-driven validation, and the importance of oxytocin for deeper connections. We also look at the neuroscience behind social interactions, the dangers of AI in fostering isolation, and the importance of patience and vulnerability in building meaningful relationships. 00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Human Connection 02:34 The Illusion of Connection in a Digital Age 06:03 The Depth of Communication: Online vs. Offline 10:37 The Erosion of Patience in Relationships 13:30 The Challenge of Unpleasant Emotions 17:14 Dopamine vs. Oxytocin: The Chemistry of Connection 20:53 The Quest for Meaningful Relationships in a Fast-Paced World 24:17 The Impact of Digital Communication on Real-Life Connections 28:23 AI as a Substitute for Human Connection 33:43 The Challenges of Modern Relationships 38:07 Strategies for Building Resilience in Relationships 41:00 Exploring Psychedelic Therapy and Connection

    47 min
  5. Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic?

    FEB 16

    Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic?

    The internet has made ayahuasca more accessible than ever; bringing the promise of spiritual awakening and deep healing to people worldwide. But in doing so, has it commodified a sacred practice, leading to a rise in unqualified facilitators and a disregard for cultural traditions? Joining us is Bia Labate, a Brazilian anthropologist, founder and Executive Director of The Chacruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines, and one of the world’s leading ayahuasca experts. ⁠http://www.bialabate.net⁠ ⁠https://chacruna.net/⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22F9iOhoGVWPiVlO9ueN0Q/featured⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/labatebia/⁠ ⁠https://chacruna.net/the-commodification-of-ayahuasca-how-can-we-do-better/⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Bia joins us to explore the profound impact of the internet and social media on the world of ayahuasca. We discuss the accessibility of ayahuasca, the rise of unqualified facilitators, and the ethical challenges of marketing spiritual experiences. We also look at the risks involved in seeking ayahuasca ceremonies and the positive outcomes of increased global interest in this traditional practice, as well as the need for education, harm reduction, and ethical collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure the integrity of ayahuasca experiences. 00:00 Introduction to Ayahuasca and the Internet's Impact 02:51 Personal Experiences with Ayahuasca and Digital Evolution 06:02 The Role of Social Media in Ayahuasca Ceremonies 08:49 Marketing Challenges and Ethical Considerations 11:52 Authenticity and Misrepresentation in Ayahuasca Practices 14:45 The Rise of Unqualified Facilitators 18:00 Navigating Risks in Ayahuasca Ceremonies 21:05 Positive Outcomes of Ayahuasca's Global Exposure 24:10 Future Directions for Ayahuasca Practices 26:48 Advice for Prospective Ayahuasca Participants

    41 min
  6. Common Ground: From Dialogue to Digital Battlefield?

    FEB 4

    Common Ground: From Dialogue to Digital Battlefield?

    The internet promised a place where people from diverse backgrounds could find connection and understanding. But has it instead become a deeply polarised medium where echo chambers and ideological extremism make meaningful connection harder than ever? To help us understand what’s happening, we’re joined by Dr. Andres Reiljan, a political scientist at the European University Institute. ⁠https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=uBEitnwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao⁠ ⁠https://x.com/AReiljan⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/andres.reiljan⁠ ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/areiljan.bsky.social⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Andres joins us to explore the complexities of polarisation in the digital age. We discuss the concept of affective polarisation, the role of algorithms in amplifying divisive sentiments, and the psychological toll of constant exposure to conflict. We also look at the importance of finding common ground and the potential for technology to help bridge divides, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and emotional polarisation. 00:00 The Promise and Peril of the Internet 05:04 Understanding Affective Polarisation 09:59 The Role of Algorithms in Polarisation 15:07 Factual Belief Polarisation and Misinformation 19:56 The Impact of Polarisation on Society 25:04 Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World 29:54 The Psychological Toll of Polarisation 35:03 Using Technology to Combat Polarisation

    39 min
  7. Brand Trust: The Era of Algorithmic Enshittification?

    JAN 25

    Brand Trust: The Era of Algorithmic Enshittification?

    The internet was supposed to empower brands to build relationships based on authenticity and shared values. But for so many of us, does it now just feel like surveillance capitalism, exploiting and manipulating our attention, leading to mass brand distrust and marketing cynicism? Joining us is Nick Richtsmeier, a growth consultant and Founder of CultureCraft, who works directly with business and non-profits to solve the issue of trust decay in the marketplace. ⁠https://www.damnsgiven.com/⁠ ⁠https://culturecraft.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365925⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrichtsmeier/⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Nick joins us to explore the decline of brand trust in the digital age, focusing on the impact of surveillance capitalism, the concept of enshittification, and the role of algorithms in shaping consumer perceptions. We discuss the shift towards community-based growth strategies and the importance of authenticity in marketing, while also addressing the challenges posed by large tech platforms. We also look at the dynamics of social movements, the role of brands in societal change, the challenges of building trust in the digital age, and the importance of human connection amidst the overwhelming influence of technology and the internet. 00:00 The Internet's Impact on Brand Trust 05:03 Understanding Enshittification and Its Effects 10:05 The Role of Algorithms in Brand Perception 15:03 The Shift Towards Community and Authenticity 19:58 Navigating the Future of Business Relationships 24:43 The Ticking Clock of Social Movements 29:00 The Role of Brands in Social Change 35:09 Navigating Trust in the Digital Age 39:55 The Illusion of Internet Trust 46:58 The Human Spirit and Digital Reality

    50 min
  8. Reputation Management: A New World of Digital Life Sentences?

    JAN 14

    Reputation Management: A New World of Digital Life Sentences?

    By creating an environment of radically-decentralised authority, has the internet shattered a slow, controlled process, by turning it into a fast, volatile, and potentially permanent crisis cycle? Joining us is Stuart Thomson, a public affairs and political engagement specialist, author, and founder of reputation management consultancy CWE Communications. ⁠https://www.cwecommunications.com⁠ ⁠https://publicaffairs.podbean.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CWECommunications⁠ ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/redpolitics/⁠ Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Stuart joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of reputation management in the digital age. We explore how the internet has transformed the speed and nature of reputation crises, the importance of preparedness, and the ethical considerations in public relations. We also look at the challenges posed by AI and misinformation, the dynamics of reputation laundering, and strategies for managing public perception in the face of unexpected crises. 00:00 Introduction to Reputation Management in the Digital Age 02:00 The Impact of Speed on Reputation Management 06:08 Crisis Preparedness and Response Strategies 09:50 The Power Dynamics in Reputation Management 13:59 Handling Unexpected Crises and Public Perception 18:08 The Role of Ethics in Reputation Management 22:03 The Challenges of AI and Misinformation 25:49 Reputation Laundering and Influencer Dynamics 30:00 Identifying Smear Campaigns in the Digital Space 33:02 Final Thoughts on Reputation Management Strategies

    35 min
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Is the internet really ruining everything, or are we just looking at it wrong? Ruined By The Internet? explores how social media, AI, and technology are shaping society, culture, and modern life; including how we think, behave, and connect - whether we want it to or not. From internet culture to the psychological and human impact of tech, we look at the digital world not as a set of products, but as the environment we all live in. Through conversations with leading experts from around the world, we seek to uncover the true casualties behind today’s biggest questions: How is social media changing us? Is AI reshaping human behaviour? And what are the real consequences of our very online lives? Let us know what to look into at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/, or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow

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