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Artwork for Ruined By The Internet?

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

Gareth King
Internet
Social Media
The Internet
Video Games
Artificial Intelligence
Ayahuasca
Games As a Service
Video Game Journalism
Society
Culture
Social Interaction
Trust In Information
Digital Communication
Social Media Influencers
Climate Science
Media Trust Crisis
AI and Misinformation
Journalism
Monetization
Multiplayer Experience

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, bu... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes27Founded10 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & CultureTechnology

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Artwork for Ruined By The Internet?

Latest Episodes

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 C... more

YouTube

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 He... more

YouTube

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,... more

YouTube

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 alm... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Thomas Sigler
Deputy Head of the School of the Environment and Associate Professor of Human Geography, University of Queensland
University of Queensland
Episode: Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service?
Justin Leff
Behavioral coach focusing on discipline, wellness and self-understanding
Episode: Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance?
Rod Barton
Former Victorian MP and founder of the Transport Matters Party; advocate for taxi industry reform
Transport Matters Party
Episode: The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
Joseph Kennedy
Head of marketing and growth at Alephium
Alephium
Episode: Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?
Maria-Elena Lukeides
Clinical psychologist specializing in mindfulness-based therapies and neuroscience
Independent practitioner
Episode: Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy?
Bea Labarte
Brazilian anthropologist and expert on ayahuasca
Shakruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines
Episode: Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic?
Dr. Andres Reiljan
Political scientist at the European University Institute with expertise in political polarization and attitudes towards politics.
European University Institute
Episode: Common Ground: From Dialogue to Digital Battlefield?
Nick Richtsmeier
A growth consultant and founder of Culture Craft, focusing on brand trust.
Culture Craft
Episode: Brand Trust: The Era of Algorithmic Enshittification?
Stuart Thompson
Public affairs and political engagement specialist, author, and founder of CWE Communications
CWE Communications
Episode: Reputation Management: A New World of Digital Life Sentences?

Hosts

Gareth King
Host with a focus on tech's impact on society, culture, and modern life.
Steve Wright
Owner and editor of Survivor.com, contributor with industry perspective on gaming, media, and internet culture.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings
  • Fascinating!

    These discussions are brilliant. They voice the concerns within myself that I constantly try to ignore. I appreciate that solutions are brought up, it keeps a heavy subject lighter. Great show!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jessi Hartnett
    United States5 months ago
  • Bad and oogly

    Propaganda to justify government’s assault on the internet. Internet is too free and the people at the top don’t like that freedom. They want to be able to censor and control information, unmask everyone, and monitor everyone’s activity.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    barbadenis
    United States5 months ago
  • Great concept!

    Love this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    1980ed1980
    Australia8 months ago
  • Thoughtful and thought-provoking

    I love the topic of this podcast and the gentle way it goes about examining how the internet has changed our world so rapidly. It asks the right questions and provides us with concrete steps for how to move forward. The guests are consistently interesting and Gareth King guides the interview in such a way that I assume he’s been doing this professionally for years. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Canadian Townie
    Canada8 months ago
  • A really interesting and informative listen

    A huge subject to explore and the first episodes have been fascinating. I look forward to hearing more from Gareth and his subject matter experts over coming episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    R_J*23
    Australia9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners feel the discussions can lean toward advocacy of freedom of information.
Strong host presence and consistently interesting guests.
High regard for the range of expert viewpoints and accessible delivery.
Thoughtful, balanced dialogue with practical takeaways for navigating online life.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#170
Australia/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#59
New Zealand/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
Q: What does the future look like for coexistence between traditional taxis and gig platforms, and what reforms could help workers?
He expresses cautious optimism about potential wage protections and arm's-length inquiries, stressing the need to protect essential workers while evaluating regulations and industry structure.
The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
Q: What are the core financial and regulatory pressures now facing drivers and license owners?
Rod outlines licensing costs, government leasing practices, insurance gaps, and the uneven regulatory requirements that shift risk and cost toward traditional taxi operators and away from gig workers.
The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
Q: What was life like in the industry before tech disrupted it, and how did Uber enter the market in Australia?
He explains the industry's complacency with technology, the delayed regulatory response, and Uber's entry as a foreign company that catalyzed political action and a class-action response.
The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work?
Q: Before we get into it today, can you tell us a little bit about what you do and the journey that's led you to this point?
Rod Barton describes his background as a taxi driver and small business owner, his entry into advocacy with the taxi association, and his political path with the Transport Matters Party to confront rideshare disruption.
Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance?
Q: What changes do you foresee with AI's role in self-improvement and goal setting?
AI can tailor content, but it risks hiding the work needed to achieve goals and can present information with an illusion of authority. People may rely on AI for quick answers rather than engaging in the necessary exploration and effort.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ruined By The Internet?

What is Ruined By The Internet? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show explores how the internet reshapes society, culture, and human behavior through expert conversations spanning decentralization, digital trust, privacy, and the ethics of technology. Episodes often feature researchers, practitioners, and commentators who dissect real-world implications of online platforms, governance, and digital life, offering practical takeaways for individuals and organizations. A notable strength is the breadth of perspectives—from blockchain and politics to psychology and digital wellbeing—delivered in accessible, interview-driven formats that balance rigorous analysis with tangible implications for policy, business, and daily life.

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How many listeners does Ruined By The Internet? get?

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1. This American Life
2. The Daily
3. Search Engine
4. NO SUCH THING
5. Today, Explained

How many episodes of Ruined By The Internet? are there?

Ruined By The Internet? launched 10 months ago and published 27 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Ruined By The Internet??

Recent guests on Ruined By The Internet? include:

1. Thomas Sigler
2. Justin Leff
3. Rod Barton
4. Joseph Kennedy
5. Maria-Elena Lukeides
6. Bea Labarte
7. Dr. Andres Reiljan
8. Nick Richtsmeier

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