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?

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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

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-barton https://facebook.com/RodBarton08

In 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 Industry

03:01 The Taxi Industry Before Uber

05:52 Regulations and Challenges in the Taxi Industry

08:57 Safety and Insurance in Rideshare Services

12:13 The Gig Economy and Worker Rights

15:05 Customer Service in the Age of Rideshare

17:50 The Future of the Gig Economy

21:00 The Role of Government in Regulating the Industry

23:55 The Path Forward for Taxi and Rideshare Services

taxi industry, rideshare, Uber, gig economy, worker rights, exploitation, regulations, ridesharing, customer service, government policy, transport industry, class action

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?

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/rbtishow⁠⁠

Joining us is Joseph Kennedy, Head of Marketing & Growth at blockchain platform Alephium.

http://www.alephium.org

http://www.twitter.com/bigpepghost

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkennedyuk/

In 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 Erosion

02:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Crypto

06:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Infrastructure Dilemma

08:57 Public Perception of Crypto and Web3

12:11 The Influence of Regulation on Decentralized Innovations

15:08 Corporate Involvement in Web3: A Double-Edged Sword

17:52 NFTs: Beyond the Hype and Towards Utility

20:50 Value Perception in the Digital Asset Space

23:07 The Rise and Fall of Steemit

28:08 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Ethical Dilemma

30:29 Self-Regulation in the Decentralized Space

33:18 Government Control and the Decentralized Response

37:50 Barriers to Mass Adoption of Decentralization

40:12 The Future of Decentralization: A Divided Landscape

42:55 A Vision for True Decentralization

#Web3 #DigitalSovereignty #BigTech #internet #technology #society #culture

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?

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.

https://www.drmariaelenalukeides.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/drmariaelena_lukeides/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-lukeides-270379a5

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.

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.

00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Human Connection

02:34 The Illusion of Connection in a Digital Age

06:03 The Depth of Communication: Online vs. Offline

10:37 The Erosion of Patience in Relationships

13:30 The Challenge of Unpleasant Emotions

17:14 Dopamine vs. Oxytocin: The Chemistry of Connection

20:53 The Quest for Meaningful Relationships in a Fast-Paced World

24:17 The Impact of Digital Communication on Real-Life Connections

28:23 AI as a Substitute for Human Connection

33:43 The Challenges of Modern Relationships

38:07 Strategies for Building Resilience in Relationships

41:00 Exploring Psychedelic Therapy and Connection

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

The internet has made ayahuasca more accessible than ever; bringing the promise of spiritual awakening and deep healing to people worldwide. But in doing so, has it commodified a sacred practice, leading to a rise in unqualified facilitators and a disregard for cultural traditions?

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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

Joining us is Bia Labate, a Brazilian anthropologist, founder and Executive Director of The Chacruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines, and one of the world’s leading ayahuasca experts.

http://www.bialabate.net https://chacruna.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22F9iOhoGVWPiVlO9ueN0Q/featured https://www.instagram.com/labatebia/ https://chacruna.net/the-commodification-of-ayahuasca-how-can-we-do-better/

In this episode, Bia joins us to explore the profound impact of the internet and social media on the world of ayahuasca. We discuss the accessibility of ayahuasca, the rise of unqualified facilitators, and the ethical challenges of marketing spiritual experiences.

We also look at the risks involved in seeking ayahuasca ceremonies and the positive outcomes of increased global interest in this traditional practice, as well as the need for education, harm reduction, and ethical collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure the integrity of ayahuasca experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Ayahuasca and the Internet's Impact

02:51 Personal Experiences with Ayahuasca and Digital Evolution

06:02 The Role of Social Media in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

08:49 Marketing Challenges and Ethical Considerations

11:52 Authenticity and Misrepresentation in Ayahuasca Practices

14:45 The Rise of Unqualified Facilitators

18:00 Navigating Risks in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

21:05 Positive Outcomes of Ayahuasca's Global Exposure

24:10 Future Directions for Ayahuasca Practices

26:48 Advice for Prospective Ayahuasca Participants

The internet promised a place where people from diverse backgrounds could find connection and understanding. But has it instead become a deeply polarised medium where echo chambers and ideological extremism make meaningful connection harder than ever?

To help us understand what’s happening, we’re joined by Dr. Andres Reiljan, a political scientist at the European University Institute.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=uBEitnwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao https://x.com/AReiljan https://www.facebook.com/andres.reiljan https://bsky.app/profile/areiljan.bsky.social

In this episode, Andres joins us to explore the complexities of polarisation in the digital age. We discuss the concept of affective polarisation, the role of algorithms in amplifying divisive sentiments, and the psychological toll of constant exposure to conflict.

We also look at the importance of finding common ground and the potential for technology to help bridge divides, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and emotional polarisation.

00:00 The Promise and Peril of the Internet

05:04 Understanding Affective Polarisation

09:59 The Role of Algorithms in Polarisation

15:07 Factual Belief Polarisation and Misinformation

19:56 The Impact of Polarisation on Society

25:04 Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World

29:54 The Psychological Toll of Polarisation

35:03 Using Technology to Combat Polarisation

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 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?

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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

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

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?

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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

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

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.

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/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

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.

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