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-sigler

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

Thomas 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 Crisis

02:57 The Impact of Short-Term Rentals

06:04 Understanding the Rental Market Dynamics

08:47 The Role of PropTech in Rental Searches

11:55 Community Resistance and Transient Populations

15:02 The Rise of Digital Nomadism

17:51 The Transparency of Digital Platforms

21:07 Privacy Concerns in Rental Applications

24:09 Regulatory Challenges in the Rental Market

26:45 The Influence of Property Influencers

29:56 FOMO and the Property Market

33:10 Crisis in the Housing Market

36:05 The Future of Housing and Technology

38:59 Actionable Steps for Renters

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/@SoliliumThoughts

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

In 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-Improvement

03:12 Globalisation of Ideas and Goals

06:07 The Dangers of Social Comparison

09:08 The Role of Role Models in the Digital Age

12:03 Chasing Status vs. Genuine Self-Improvement

15:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery

18:05 The Process Over Quick Fixes

21:14 The Impact of Digital Overload on Motivation

24:08 Navigating Decision Fatigue in a World of Options

28:03 The Future of Self-Improvement Without Social Media

30:41 AI's Role in Tailored Self-Improvement

35:08 Finding Authentic Peer Support in Self-Improvement

37:13 The Importance of Community in Personal Growth

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.au⁠

⁠https://linkedin.com/in/rod-barton⁠

⁠https://facebook.com/RodBarton08⁠

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

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

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

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

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?

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/⁠

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

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

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

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

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 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/⁠

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

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