Ruined By The Internet?

Gareth King
  • 4.0 (8)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ever feel like the internet ruined everything? Join us as we explore the impacts of the technology shaping Society, Culture & the Modern World. Through in-depth conversations with relevant experts, we investigate the arguments, examine the evidence, and uncover the true casualties of the web - and the things we're just looking at wrong. If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠www.ruinedbytheinternet.com

  1. Reputation Management: has the internet turned mistakes into life sentences? – Stuart Thomson

    21H AGO

    Reputation Management: has the internet turned mistakes into life sentences? – Stuart Thomson

    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.comhttps://publicaffairs.podbean.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CWECommunications https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/redpolitics/ 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 If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to lookinto at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

    35 min
  2. Trust In Information: has the internet broken our ability to trust our own eyes? – Terry Flew

    JAN 4

    Trust In Information: has the internet broken our ability to trust our own eyes? – Terry Flew

    The internet promised a more informed society where anyone could share knowledge freely. However, many people feel it’s led to a crisis of trust where expertise is constantly challenged, and huge numbers of us struggle to discern fact from fiction. Joining us is Terry Flew, a Professor of Digital Communication & Culture, and Co-Director of the Centre for AI, Trust & Governance at The University of Sydney. With Terry’s deep understanding of what’s broken down, we’ll be asking has the internet ruined Trust In Information? https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/terry-flew.htmlhttps://mediated-trust-arts.sydney.edu.au/programs/time-for-trust-podcast-series/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryflew/ In this episode, Terry joins us to explore how the internet’s various forms impact on our trust in information. We discuss the concept of mediated trust, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the challenges posed by social media and AI in discerning credible information. We also look at the crisis of trust in expertise, the dynamics of media consumption, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating misinformation. 00:00 The Crisis of Trust in the Digital Age 06:01 Understanding Mediated Trust 12:12 The Role of Media in Trust Dynamics 18:09 Social Media vs. Traditional Journalism 24:04 The Impact of AI on Information Trust 30:05 Navigating Misinformation and Building Trust If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

    35 min
  3. The Internet: has the internet been hijacked by corporate and government control? – Wouter Constant

    12/21/2025

    The Internet: has the internet been hijacked by corporate and government control? – Wouter Constant

    The internet was supposed to be where the free exchange of knowledge and ideas happened. Instead, it’s become a place increasingly controlled by a few companies, leading to the regular suppression of inconvenient or unpopular ideas. Joining us is Wouter Constant, co-founder and researcher at Nostr, an open protocol for decentralised, censorship-resistant communication. With Wouter’s deep knowledge of how we got here, we’ll be asking has the internet ruined The Internet? https://nostr.com/ https://weboftrustfoundation.com/ In this episode, Wouter joins us to explore the evolution of the internet from its original promise of free expression to its current state dominated by centralised platforms. We discuss the implications of corporate control, government involvement, and the potential for a decentralised future that prioritises freedom of association and censorship resistance. We also look at the evolution of decentralised social media, and its implications for digital responsibility, identity, and content authenticity, as well as the importance of user responsibility in shaping the future of online interactions. 00:00 The Promise of the Internet and Its Decline 02:54 The Rise of Centralised Platforms 05:54 Investment, Network Effects, and the Corporate Sphere 09:00 Government Involvement and Censorship Dynamics 12:02 The Future of the Internet: Decentralisation and Freedom of Association 15:07 Challenges of a Decentralised Internet 18:08 The Responsibility of Platforms and User Experience 27:09 Understanding Responsibility in Digital Spaces 29:44 The Evolution of Decentralised Social Media 32:30 Nostr vs. Bluesky: A Comparative Analysis 35:30 The Role of Identity and Reputation in Nostr 39:16 Decentralisation and Content Authenticity 44:25 Navigating AI-Generated Content in Nostr 50:51 Building a Safer Internet for Future Generations If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

    53 min
  4. Truly Disappearing: has the internet’s perpetual surveillance killed the option to escape? – Lachlan Jarvis

    12/11/2025

    Truly Disappearing: has the internet’s perpetual surveillance killed the option to escape? – Lachlan Jarvis

    The internet has given us unprecedented connection, but thanks to relentless data retention and constant tracking of our every digital move, is it now virtually impossible to shed our old identity and start a new life undetected? To help us understand what we’re up against, we’re joined by Lachlan Jarvis, a private investigator, digital forensics expert, and Director of Lyonswood Investigations. https://www.investigators.net.au/ https://x.com/Lyonswood_PI https://www.instagram.com/lyonswoodinvestigations/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/LyonswoodInvestigations https://www.youtube.com/@lyonswoodinvestigations In this episode, Lachlan joins us to look at the implications of the internet on personal identity and privacy. We explore how the digital landscape has evolved, the nature of digital footprints, and the challenges of disappearing in a connected world. We also look at the right to be forgotten, the feasibility of reinventing oneself, and the importance of digital hygiene in protecting personal information. 00:00 The Cost of Digital Identity 03:12 The Evolution of Private Investigation 06:07 Understanding Digital Footprints 09:03 Active vs Passive Digital Footprints 12:13 The Right to be Forgotten 14:59 The Challenges of Disappearing 17:50 The Role of AI in Investigation 20:54 The Feasibility of Reinventing Oneself 24:09 Digital Hygiene and Security 27:08 Identity Theft and Its Consequences 30:00 The Future of Digital Privacy If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

    45 min
  5. Social Interaction: has the internet invaded our spaces and damaged our experiences? – Emily Toner

    11/30/2025

    Social Interaction: has the internet invaded our spaces and damaged our experiences? – Emily Toner

    With its constant presence and insatiable demand for attention, has the internet invaded our offline spaces, diminishing our ability to be truly present, and eroding the quality of our in-person experiences? To help us understand the costs of digital distraction, we’re joined by Emily Toner, a clinical psychologist and international expert in the fields of mindfulness, eco-psychology and mental health. https://www.emilytoner.com https://pod.link/1828836798 https://www.instagram.com/emilytoner_ https://www.facebook.com/emilytonerconsulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-toner-27413336/ In this episode, Emily joins us to explore the profound effects of the Internet on social interaction and relationships, the importance of social connection for mental and physical health, and the changing definitions of social interaction in the digital age. We also look at the concept of ‘phubbing’, the state of 'doingness' versus 'beingness', the intersection of mental health, technology, and community connections, and the rising anxiety and depression in a tech-driven world. 00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Social Interaction 05:06 The Importance of Social Connection 09:55 Changing Definitions of Social Interaction 14:51 The Distraction of Technology in Social Settings 20:03 Phubbing: The New Social Norm 24:48 The State of Doingness vs. Beingness 28:09 The Importance of Community Connections 35:37 The Impact of Digital Interactions on Relationships 39:22 AI and the Future of Connection 46:25 Practical Strategies for Healthy Social Interactions If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

    51 min
  6. Music: has the internet replaced artists with algorithms? – Charlie Hooper-Williams

    11/16/2025

    Music: has the internet replaced artists with algorithms? – Charlie Hooper-Williams

    It promised to empower artists and give listeners infinite choice. But has the internet turned music into a disposable commodity, replaced human curation with algorithms, and made it impossible for most artists to earn a sustainable living? To help us explore the new world of music, we’re joined by Charlie Hooper-Williams, a critically-acclaimed composer, pianist & creative coder, and one of the developers behindmusic-identification app Shazam. His new album ‘The Book of Fixed Stars’ is out now on The Way Beyond Music. http://charliehooperwilliams.com https://www.instagram.com/charliehooperwilliams https://www.youtube.com/@CharlieHooperWilliams In this episode, Charlie joins us to discuss his journey as a composer and pianist, the impact of digital technology on the music industry, and the challenges and opportunities presented by streaming platforms. We also look at the changing landscape of music consumption, the role of algorithms in discoverability, the influence of AI on music creation, as well as advice for aspiring musicians and the future of music in a technology-driven world. 00:00 Introduction to Charlie's Musical Journey 01:31 The Impact of Digital Transformation on Music 02:33 The TikTokification of Music 04:17 The Devaluation of Music as an Art Form 05:32 Streaming Platforms: Exposure vs. Earnings 08:06 The Role of Spotify in the Music Industry 08:51 The Challenges of Discoverability in the Digital Age 12:17 The Evolution of Artist-Fan Relationships 17:52 Technology's Role in Music Creation and Distribution 20:04 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape 22:56 The Art of Live Performance and Technology 25:46 The Role of Algorithms and AI in Music 34:50 The Future of Music in a Digital Age 40:46 Advice for Aspiring Musicians and Creators If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠

    46 min
  7. Gambling: has the internet turned your phone into a 24/7 addiction machine? – Mark Kempster

    11/02/2025

    Gambling: has the internet turned your phone into a 24/7 addiction machine? – Mark Kempster

    It promised to modernise an age-old activity, bringing new convenience to a quick thrill. But has the internet instead delivered a predatory, 24/7 addiction machine that exploits our psychology with algorithms, leading to what many consider a serious public health crisis? To help us understand what’s really at stake, we’re joined by Mark Kempster, a gambling reform advocate, and member of Australia’s Alliance For Gambling Reform’s Voices of Lived Experience program. https://www.instagram.com/mark_kempsterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kempster-2925317b/https://x.com/OffOddshttps://www.agr.org.au/ In this episode, Mark joins us to explore the profound impact of the internet and technology on gambling behaviours, the addictive design of digital gambling apps, and the normalisation of online gambling in society. We also look at the targeting of vulnerable demographics, the psychological effects of gambling, and the urgent need for reform and regulation to protect individuals and communities from the growing harms of online and digital gambling. 00:00 The Rise of Online Gambling and Its Impact 06:55 Addictive Design of Gambling Apps 11:48 Regulatory Challenges and Industry Influence 15:59 The Role of Data in Targeting Gamblers 23:38 The Future of Gambling Reform in Australia 25:33 The Pervasiveness of Gambling Among Youth 27:57 The Dangers of In-Play Betting 30:46 Normalisation of Gambling in Society 34:49 The Role of Technology in Gambling Addiction 39:03 The Need for Regulation and Accountability 43:33 Advocacy for Change and Hope for the Future If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠

    51 min
  8. The Human Identity: has the internet exchanged authenticity for audience? – Colin Corby

    10/19/2025

    The Human Identity: has the internet exchanged authenticity for audience? – Colin Corby

    It promised a world of self-expression and connection. But has the internet instead encouraged us to create performative versions of ourselves; curated by algorithms and validated by likes? To help us find the reality, we’re joined by Colin Corby, Digital Detox Coach, Technologist, and CEO of Technology Wellbeing. https://thedigitaldetoxcoach.com⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_detox_coach⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@thedigitaldetoxcoach⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/colincorby In this episode, Colin joins us to explore the complex relationship between technology and the human identity. We discuss how online personas are curated, the psychological effects of social media, and the role of influencers in shaping self-worth. We also look the implications of AI on identity, the psychological toll of a permanent online record and the diminishing empathy in digital interactions - ultimately contemplating the future of human identity in a technology-driven world. 00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Human Identity 02:49 Curating Online vs. Offline Selves 05:46 The Psychological Effects of Social Media 08:51 The Role of Influencers in Identity Formation 11:57 The Stress of Online Performance 14:44 AI and the Future of Human Identity 17:46 The Need for Digital Detox 21:00 The Psychological Toll of a Permanent OnlineRecord 24:05 Empathy in the Digital Age 27:00 AI's Role in the Workplace and Identity 30:07 The Future of Human Identity in a Tech-DrivenWorld If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠

    41 min
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About

Ever feel like the internet ruined everything? Join us as we explore the impacts of the technology shaping Society, Culture & the Modern World. Through in-depth conversations with relevant experts, we investigate the arguments, examine the evidence, and uncover the true casualties of the web - and the things we're just looking at wrong. If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠www.ruinedbytheinternet.com

Information

  • Creator
    Gareth King
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gareth King
  • Show Website
    Ruined By The Internet?

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