The internet was supposed to empower brands to build relationships based on authenticity and shared values. But for so many of us, does it now just feel like surveillance capitalism, exploiting and manipulating our attention, leading to mass brand distrust and marketing cynicism?

Joining us today is Nick Richtsmeier, a growth consultant and Founder of CultureCraft, who works directly with business and non-profits to solve the issue of trust decay in the marketplace.

https://www.damnsgiven.com/
https://culturecraft.com/
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365925
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrichtsmeier/

In this episode, Nick joins us to explore the decline of brand trust in the digital age, focusing on the impact of surveillance capitalism, the concept of enshittification, and the role of algorithms in shaping consumer perceptions. We discuss the shift towards community-based growth strategies and the importance of authenticity in marketing, while also addressing the challenges posed by large tech platforms.

We also look at the dynamics of social movements, the role of brands in societal change, the challenges of building trust in the digital age, and the importance of human connection amidst the overwhelming influence of technology and the internet.

00:00 The Internet's Impact on Brand Trust

05:03 Understanding Enshittification and Its Effects

10:05 The Role of Algorithms in Brand Perception

15:03 The Shift Towards Community and Authenticity

19:58 Navigating the Future of Business Relationships

24:43 The Ticking Clock of Social Movements

29:00 The Role of Brands in Social Change

35:09 Navigating Trust in the Digital Age

39:55 The Illusion of Internet Trust

46:58 The Human Spirit and Digital Reality

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/⁠

By creating an environment of radically-decentralised authority, has the internet shattered a slow, controlled process, by turning it into a fast, volatile, and potentially permanent crisis cycle?

Joining us is Stuart Thomson, a public affairs and political engagement specialist, author, and founder of reputation management consultancy CWE Communications.

https://www.cwecommunications.com
https://publicaffairs.podbean.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@CWECommunications
https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/redpolitics/

In this episode, Stuart joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of reputation management in the digital age. We explore how the internet has transformed the speed and nature of reputation crises, the importance of preparedness, and the ethical considerations in public relations.

We also look at the challenges posed by AI and misinformation, the dynamics of reputation laundering, and strategies for managing public perception in the face of unexpected crises.

00:00 Introduction to Reputation Management in the Digital Age

02:00 The Impact of Speed on Reputation Management

06:08 Crisis Preparedness and Response Strategies

09:50 The Power Dynamics in Reputation Management

13:59 Handling Unexpected Crises and Public Perception

18:08 The Role of Ethics in Reputation Management

22:03 The Challenges of AI and Misinformation

25:49 Reputation Laundering and Influencer Dynamics

30:00 Identifying Smear Campaigns in the Digital Space

33:02 Final Thoughts on Reputation Management Strategies

If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to lookinto at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

The internet promised a more informed society where anyone could share knowledge freely. However, many people feel it’s led to a crisis of trust where expertise is constantly challenged, and huge numbers of us struggle to discern fact from fiction.

Joining us is Terry Flew, a Professor of Digital Communication & Culture, and Co-Director of the Centre for AI, Trust & Governance at The University of Sydney. With Terry’s deep understanding of what’s broken down, we’ll be asking has the internet ruined Trust In Information?

https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/terry-flew.html
https://mediated-trust-arts.sydney.edu.au/programs/time-for-trust-podcast-series/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryflew/

In this episode, Terry joins us to explore how the internet’s various forms impact on our trust in information. We discuss the concept of mediated trust, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the challenges posed by social media and AI in discerning credible information.

We also look at the crisis of trust in expertise, the dynamics of media consumption, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating misinformation.

00:00 The Crisis of Trust in the Digital Age

06:01 Understanding Mediated Trust

12:12 The Role of Media in Trust Dynamics

18:09 Social Media vs. Traditional Journalism

24:04 The Impact of AI on Information Trust

30:05 Navigating Misinformation and Building Trust

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/⁠

The internet was supposed to be where the free exchange of knowledge and ideas happened. Instead, it’s become a place increasingly controlled by a few companies, leading to the regular suppression of inconvenient or unpopular ideas.

Joining us is Wouter Constant, co-founder and researcher at Nostr, an open protocol for decentralised, censorship-resistant communication. With Wouter’s deep knowledge of how we got here, we’ll be asking has the internet ruined The Internet?

https://nostr.com/

https://weboftrustfoundation.com/

In this episode, Wouter joins us to explore the evolution of the internet from its original promise of free expression to its current state dominated by centralised platforms. We discuss the implications of corporate control, government involvement, and the potential for a decentralised future that prioritises freedom of association and censorship resistance.

We also look at the evolution of decentralised social media, and its implications for digital responsibility, identity, and content authenticity, as well as the importance of user responsibility in shaping the future of online interactions.

00:00 The Promise of the Internet and Its Decline

02:54 The Rise of Centralised Platforms

05:54 Investment, Network Effects, and the Corporate Sphere

09:00 Government Involvement and Censorship Dynamics

12:02 The Future of the Internet: Decentralisation and Freedom of Association

15:07 Challenges of a Decentralised Internet

18:08 The Responsibility of Platforms and User Experience

27:09 Understanding Responsibility in Digital Spaces

29:44 The Evolution of Decentralised Social Media

32:30 Nostr vs. Bluesky: A Comparative Analysis

35:30 The Role of Identity and Reputation in Nostr

39:16 Decentralisation and Content Authenticity

44:25 Navigating AI-Generated Content in Nostr

50:51 Building a Safer Internet for Future Generations

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/⁠

The internet has given us unprecedented connection, but thanks to relentless data retention and constant tracking of our every digital move, is it now virtually impossible to shed our old identity and start a new life undetected?

To help us understand what we’re up against, we’re joined by Lachlan Jarvis, a private investigator, digital forensics expert, and Director of Lyonswood Investigations.

https://www.investigators.net.au/

https://x.com/Lyonswood_PI

https://www.instagram.com/lyonswoodinvestigations/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/LyonswoodInvestigations

https://www.youtube.com/@lyonswoodinvestigations

In this episode, Lachlan joins us to look at the implications of the internet on personal identity and privacy. We explore how the digital landscape has evolved, the nature of digital footprints, and the challenges of disappearing in a connected world.

We also look at the right to be forgotten, the feasibility of reinventing oneself, and the importance of digital hygiene in protecting personal information.

00:00 The Cost of Digital Identity

03:12 The Evolution of Private Investigation

06:07 Understanding Digital Footprints

09:03 Active vs Passive Digital Footprints

12:13 The Right to be Forgotten

14:59 The Challenges of Disappearing

17:50 The Role of AI in Investigation

20:54 The Feasibility of Reinventing Oneself

24:09 Digital Hygiene and Security

27:08 Identity Theft and Its Consequences

30:00 The Future of Digital Privacy

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/⁠

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/⁠

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/⁠⁠

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/⁠⁠