<p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://www.drmariaelenalukeides.com.au">⁠https://www.drmariaelenalukeides.com.au⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmariaelena_lukeides/">⁠https://www.instagram.com/drmariaelena_lukeides/⁠</a></p><p><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-lukeides-270379a5">⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-lukeides-270379a5</a></p><p>Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. </p><p>Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at <a href="https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, or support us at <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠</a> </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Human Connection</p><p>02:34 The Illusion of Connection in a Digital Age</p><p>06:03 The Depth of Communication: Online vs. Offline</p><p>10:37 The Erosion of Patience in Relationships</p><p>13:30 The Challenge of Unpleasant Emotions</p><p>17:14 Dopamine vs. Oxytocin: The Chemistry of Connection</p><p>20:53 The Quest for Meaningful Relationships in a Fast-Paced World</p><p>24:17 The Impact of Digital Communication on Real-Life Connections</p><p>28:23 AI as a Substitute for Human Connection</p><p>33:43 The Challenges of Modern Relationships</p><p>38:07 Strategies for Building Resilience in Relationships</p><p>41:00 Exploring Psychedelic Therapy and Connection</p><p><br></p>