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

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

Gareth King - uncovering the human cost of the digital world

Overview
Episodes

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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

Recent Episodes

Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance?
APR 1, 2026
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 Canadian 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-Improvement03:12 Globalisation of Ideas and Goals06:07 The Dangers of Social Comparison09:08 The Role of Role Models in the Digital Age12:03 Chasing Status vs. Genuine Self-Improvement15:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery18:05 The Process Over Quick Fixes21:14 The Impact of Digital Overload on Motivation24:08 Navigating Decision Fatigue in a World of Options28:03 The Future of Self-Improvement Without Social Media30:41 AI's Role in Tailored Self-Improvement35:08 Finding Authentic Peer Support in Self-Improvement37:13 The Importance of Community in Personal Growth
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39 MIN
The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
MAR 21, 2026
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.au⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/in/rod-barton⁠⁠https://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 Industry03:01 The Taxi Industry Before Uber05:52 Regulations and Challenges in the Taxi Industry08:57 Safety and Insurance in Rideshare Services12:13 The Gig Economy and Worker Rights15:05 Customer Service in the Age of Rideshare17:50 The Future of the Gig Economy21:00 The Role of Government in Regulating the Industry23:55 The Path Forward for Taxi and Rideshare Servicestaxi industry, rideshare, Uber, gig economy, worker rights, exploitation, regulations, ridesharing, customer service, government policy, transport industry, class action
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32 MIN
Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?
MAR 11, 2026
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.org⁠⁠http://www.twitter.com/bigpepghost⁠⁠https://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 Erosion02:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Crypto06:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Infrastructure Dilemma08:57 Public Perception of Crypto and Web312:11 The Influence of Regulation on Decentralized Innovations15:08 Corporate Involvement in Web3: A Double-Edged Sword17:52 NFTs: Beyond the Hype and Towards Utility20:50 Value Perception in the Digital Asset Space23:07 The Rise and Fall of Steemit28:08 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Ethical Dilemma30:29 Self-Regulation in the Decentralized Space33:18 Government Control and the Decentralized Response37:50 Barriers to Mass Adoption of Decentralization40:12 The Future of Decentralization: A Divided Landscape42:55 A Vision for True Decentralization#Web3 #DigitalSovereignty #BigTech #internet #technology #society #culture
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46 MIN
Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy?
MAR 1, 2026
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.au⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drmariaelena_lukeides/⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-lukeides-270379a5Welcome 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 Connection02:34 The Illusion of Connection in a Digital Age06:03 The Depth of Communication: Online vs. Offline10:37 The Erosion of Patience in Relationships13:30 The Challenge of Unpleasant Emotions17:14 Dopamine vs. Oxytocin: The Chemistry of Connection20:53 The Quest for Meaningful Relationships in a Fast-Paced World24:17 The Impact of Digital Communication on Real-Life Connections28:23 AI as a Substitute for Human Connection33:43 The Challenges of Modern Relationships38:07 Strategies for Building Resilience in Relationships41:00 Exploring Psychedelic Therapy and Connection
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46 MIN
Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic?
FEB 16, 2026
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.net⁠⁠https://chacruna.net/⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22F9iOhoGVWPiVlO9ueN0Q/featured⁠⁠https://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 Impact02:51 Personal Experiences with Ayahuasca and Digital Evolution06:02 The Role of Social Media in Ayahuasca Ceremonies08:49 Marketing Challenges and Ethical Considerations11:52 Authenticity and Misrepresentation in Ayahuasca Practices14:45 The Rise of Unqualified Facilitators18:00 Navigating Risks in Ayahuasca Ceremonies21:05 Positive Outcomes of Ayahuasca's Global Exposure24:10 Future Directions for Ayahuasca Practices26:48 Advice for Prospective Ayahuasca Participants
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40 MIN