Ruined By The Internet?
Ruined By The Internet?

Ruined By The Internet?

Gareth King

Overview
Episodes

Details

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

Recent Episodes

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

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51 MIN
Music: has the internet replaced artists with algorithms? – Charlie Hooper-Williams
NOV 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/⁠⁠

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45 MIN
Gambling: has the internet turned your phone into a 24/7 addiction machine? – Mark Kempster
NOV 2, 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_kempster
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kempster-2925317b/
https://x.com/OffOdds
https://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/⁠⁠

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51 MIN
The Human Identity: has the internet exchanged authenticity for audience? – Colin Corby
OCT 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/⁠⁠

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41 MIN
Human Resources: has the internet made the human-centric impersonal? – Dr Justine Ferrer
OCT 12, 2025
Human Resources: has the internet made the human-centric impersonal? – Dr Justine Ferrer

It promised to make things more efficient, objective, and data-driven, but has the internet instead turned a human-centric discipline into an automated, impersonal system with new ethical and privacy concerns?

To help us explore how people and technology work together, we’re joined by Dr Justine Ferrer, a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management in the Deakin Business School.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/justineferrer

In this episode, Justine joins us to discuss the evolving role of human resources in the age of technology, exploring the impact of automation and AI on HR practices, the balance between efficiency and the human touch, and the ethical implications of data privacy and surveillance in the workplace.

We also look at the skills needed for future HR professionals, and the potential for AI to enhance rather than replace human roles in HR.

00:00 The Impact of Technology on Human Resources

02:57 The Shift Towards Strategic HR Management

06:00 Balancing Automation and Human Touch

08:47 Surveillance and Employee Trust

11:53 Data Privacy and Security Challenges

14:48 The Role of Small Businesses in HR Tech

17:57 AI, Bias, and the Future of Hiring

20:55 Skills for the Future of HR

23:43 The Ethical Framework for AI in HR

26:50 The Future of Human Resources

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/⁠⁠

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32 MIN