Ruined By The Internet? - Uncovering the human cost of our digital world
Ruined By The Internet? - Uncovering the human cost of our digital world

Ruined By The Internet? - Uncovering the human cost of our digital world

Gareth King

Overview
Episodes

Details

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 them 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

Empowerment: Objectification Rebranded as Agency?
APR 26, 2026
Empowerment: Objectification Rebranded as Agency?
When it comes to empowering ourselves, we were told the internet would give us back control. But instead, has it simply delivered a more efficient way for us to become products, and successfully rebranded objectification as agency?We’re joined by Courtney Kocak, a writer, podcaster and comedian whose debut memoir is titled Girl Gone Wild.https://www.courtneykocak.com/https://www.privatepartsunknown.com/https://www.instagram.com/courtneykocak/https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneykocakWelcome 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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between internet culture, empowerment, and the impact of social media and AI when it comes to reshaping our concept of empowerment.We also look at how digital platforms influence self-perception, the evolution from 2000s media like Girls Gone Wild to today's monetization platforms, the impact of algorithms on our desires, and the future of authentic identity in a hyper-connected world.00:00 - The Internet's impact on empowerment and objectification03:10 - From Girls Gone Wild to self-monetization platforms like OnlyFans07:50 - The evolution of pop culture and hyper-sexualization09:12 - Tracing the cultural roots of today's online extremity13:28 - The influence of the attention economy14:37 - The rise of the manosphere and its impact16:29 - The generational difference: navigating online life and authenticity20:13 - The normalization of sex work and societal acceptance23:29 - The influence of online pornography25:34 - How online validation shapes our self-perception27:13 - Authenticity and the rejection of algorithm-driven content30:18 - The potential and pitfalls of AI in digital content and society34:47 - The impact of AI-generated actors and content on creative industries36:57 - The slow political response to AI and digital regulation38:15 - The importance of nuanced conversations39:41 - Concerns about technology's societal effects
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43 MIN
Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service?
APR 13, 2026
Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service?
The internet was supposed to make the rental market more efficient and transparent. But has it instead turned the basic need for shelter into a frantic and dehumanising battle with technology?In this episode we’re joined by Thomas Sigler, Deputy Head of the School of the Environment, and an Associate Professor of Human Geography at The University of Queensland.https://environment.uq.edu.au/profile/9602/thomas-siglerWelcome 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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠Thomas joins us to explore the intersection of urban geography, technology, and the rental market. We discuss the impact of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, the complexities of the rental crisis, and the role of technology in shaping housing dynamics.We also look at the implications of remote work on housing demand, the benefits and risks of digital platforms, data privacy concerns, and the influence of property influencers in the market.00:00 Introduction to the Rental Market Crisis02:57 The Impact of Short-Term Rentals06:04 Understanding the Rental Market Dynamics08:47 The Role of PropTech in Rental Searches11:55 Community Resistance and Transient Populations15:02 The Rise of Digital Nomadism17:51 The Transparency of Digital Platforms21:07 Privacy Concerns in Rental Applications24:09 Regulatory Challenges in the Rental Market26:45 The Influence of Property Influencers29:56 FOMO and the Property Market33:10 Crisis in the Housing Market36:05 The Future of Housing and Technology38:59 Actionable Steps for Renters
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45 MIN
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/@SoliliumThoughtsWelcome 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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠In 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/RodBarton08⁠Welcome 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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠In 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 10, 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/rbtishow⁠⁠In 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