It promised to modernise an age-old activity, bringing new convenience to a quick thrill. Instead, it’s 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
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It promised a world of self-expression and connection. But instead, it’s encouraged us to create performative versions of ourselves; curated by algorithms and validated by likes.
To help us find the reality, we’re joined by Colin Corby, Digital Detox Coach, Technologist, and CEO of Technology Wellbeing.
https://thedigitaldetoxcoach.com
https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_detox_coach
https://www.youtube.com/@thedigitaldetoxcoach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colincorby
In this episode, Colin joins us to explore the complex relationship between technology and the human identity. We discuss how online personas are curated, the psychological effects of social media, and the role of influencers in shaping self-worth.
We also look the implications of AI on identity, the psychological toll of a permanent online record and the diminishing empathy in digital interactions - ultimately contemplating the future of human identity in a technology-driven world.
00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Human Identity
02:49 Curating Online vs. Offline Selves
05:46 The Psychological Effects of Social Media
08:51 The Role of Influencers in Identity Formation
11:57 The Stress of Online Performance
14:44 AI and the Future of Human Identity
17:46 The Need for Digital Detox
21:00 The Psychological Toll of a Permanent OnlineRecord
24:05 Empathy in the Digital Age
27:00 AI's Role in the Workplace and Identity
30:07 The Future of Human Identity in a Tech-DrivenWorld
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 make things more efficient, objective, and data-driven, but instead turned a human-centric discipline into an automated, impersonal system with new ethical and privacy concerns.
To help us explore how people and technology work together, we’re joined by Dr Justine Ferrer, a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management in the Deakin Business School.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/justineferrer
00:00 The Impact of Technology on Human Resources
02:57 The Shift Towards Strategic HR Management
06:00 Balancing Automation and Human Touch
08:47 Surveillance and Employee Trust
11:53 Data Privacy and Security Challenges
14:48 The Role of Small Businesses in HR Tech
17:57 AI, Bias, and the Future of Hiring
20:55 Skills for the Future of HR
23:43 The Ethical Framework for AI in HR
26:50 The Future of Human Resources
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
human resources, technology, AI, data privacy, HR management, employee trust, automation, strategic HR, surveillance, workplace culture
Through predatory monetisation, rushed development, and profits over player enjoyment, has the joy and escapism of video games been lost?
To give us a walkthrough, we’re joined by Steve Wright, owner and Editor-in-Chief of Stevivor.com, Australia’s leading independent video games outlet.
https://stevivor.com
https://bsky.app/profile/stevivor.com
http://instagram.com/stevivor
http://facebook.com/stevivor
http://www.youtube.com/c/stevivor
https://discord.gg/7YXk6DcS
https://www.twitch.tv/stevivor
00:00 Introduction and Journey to Video Game Journalism
02:22 The Impact of the Internet on Gaming
04:31 Games as a Service: Trends and Consumer Behaviour
07:19 Community and Co-op Gaming Experiences
09:12 The Shift from Local to Remote Gaming
11:49 The Evolution of Game Design and Storytelling
15:38 Quality Control and Post-Launch Issues
17:59 Community Feedback and Developer Response
21:27 Indie Games and the Democratisation of Development
23:49 Nostalgia and Preservation of Classic Games
24:45 The Rise of Indie Games and Community Innovation
27:02 Navigating Healthy vs. Toxic Gaming Communities
29:03 The Phenomenon of eSports and Competitive Gaming
31:57 The Impact of Competitive Mindsets on Casual Gaming
34:18 Finding Your Place in the Modern Gaming Landscape
36:46 The Financialisation of Gaming: Microtransactions and Subscriptions
37:57 The Role of Early Access in Game Development
41:00 The Future of Gaming: Subscription Models vs. Ownership
44:16 The Potential of Customised Gaming Experiences
46:10 The Positive Impact of Connectivity on Gaming Culture
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
internet, video games, gaming industry, monetisation, game development, indie games, gaming community, esports, subscription model, AI in gaming
It promised unlimited reach, direct engagement, and a more informed world. But instead devalued expertise, creating a ‘clicks and outrage’ economy where speed reigns over accuracy.
To help us get the full story, we’re joined by John DeDakis, an award-winning novelist, writing coach, public speaker, and former CNN Senior Copy Editor.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BM6WM0
https://www.instagram.com/dedakisjohn/
https://www.facebook.com/john.dedakis
https://bsky.app/profile/johndedakis.bsky.social
00:00 The Journey of a Journalist
02:16 The Impact of the Internet on Journalism
03:52 Skepticism and Trust in Digital News
06:25 Challenges for Editors in the Digital Age
08:48 The Shift Towards Clickbait and Investigative Journalism
11:35 The Rise of Citizen Journalism
13:55 The Role of AI in Journalism
16:37 The Future of Content Creation
19:14 The Ethics of AI and Journalism
21:19 Substack and the Future of Individual Journalism
24:08 The Evolution of Journalism in the Digital Age
30:15 The Importance of Media Literacy and Education
37:08 The Role of Public Broadcasting in Journalism
42:50 Hope for the Future of Journalism
45:18 Curiosity as a Key Skill for Writers
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
journalism, internet, media literacy, investigative journalism, AI, misinformation, citizen journalism, public broadcasting, trust in news, writing
Has the internet ruined Broadcast Television?
By replacing linear, scheduled programming with huge libraries of on-demand content, have the business models and power structures of traditional tv been toppled for good?
To help us see the full picture, we’re joined by Amanda Lotz, an award-winning author, professor and research leader at Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre.
https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Amanda-D.-Lotz/author/B001JSDEIW
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adlotz/
https://bsky.app/profile/drtvlotz.bsky.social
00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Broadcast Television
05:28 The Evolution of Television Business Models
12:08 Changing Viewing Habits and Audience Engagement
19:59 The Rise of Streaming Services and Their Influence
30:20 The New Golden Age of Television
38:42 The Future of Traditional Broadcasting
42:56 The Broader Concept of Video Consumption
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
internet, broadcast television, streaming services, viewing habits, audience engagement, television business models, media consumption, digital media, content creation, future of television
Has the internet ruined The Job Hunt?
It was once a very human-centric process, but for so many of us, the internet has transformed looking for work into an automated, opaque, and intensely competitive digital gauntlet.
To help us unpack what’s going on, we’re joined by Edan Haddock, Global Head of Talent and People Experience at Movember.
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/edan-haddock-total-talent/id1833735442
00:00 The Evolution of Job Hunting in the Digital Age
03:02 The Impact of Technology on Recruitment
06:03 The Human Connection in Virtual Interviews
08:50 Navigating the Job Application Process
11:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment
14:58 Addressing Bias and Ethics in AI Hiring
17:52 The Future of Recruitment: Human-Centric Approaches
21:08 Strategies for Candidates and Employers
23:46 The Importance of Personalisation in Applications
26:52 The Balance of AI and Human Interaction
29:41 Looking Ahead: The Future of Job Searches
32:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
job hunting, recruitment, technology, AI, human connection, application process, bias, ethics, future of work, personalisation
Has the internet ruined dating & relationships?
It promised us unprecedented connection, but for many people the internet instead damaged the quality and authenticity of dating, by offering endless choice, a “shopping” mentality, and reduced emphasis on genuine, in-person connection.
To help us get to the heart of things, we’re joined by Elly Klein, a professional dating mentor, author, and Founder of Your Dating Bestie.
https://www.ellyklein.com/blog
In this episode, Elly Klein joins us to explore the profound impact of the Internet on dating. We discuss the evolution of online dating, the pitfalls that many encounter, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.
Klein shares her insights on navigating the complexities of digital dating, the significance of crafting an authentic dating profile, and the necessity of being open-minded in the search for love.
The discussion also touches on generational differences in dating approaches and offers practical strategies for success in the online dating landscape.
00:00 The Impact of the Internet on Dating
06:05 Navigating Online Dating Pitfalls
11:56 The Numbers Game: Dating as a Funnel
18:03 Crafting the Perfect Dating Profile
24:00 The Role of Filters in Online Dating
29:55 Changing Perspectives on Dating Across Generations
35:48 Strategies for Successful Online Dating
41:47 Maintaining Positivity in the Dating Journey
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
online dating, dating mentor, dating success, dating pitfalls, dating profile tips, dating strategies, dating culture, relationship advice, dating apps, dating mindset
Has the internet ruined magic & illusion?
By demystifying the craft, exposing its secrets, and reducing complex tricks to bite-sized content, has the foundation of all magic – mystery – been eroded?
Joining us to delve into this world is Cosentino, Australia’s most successful magician, illusionist and escape artist - known to audiences around the world as ‘The Grand Illusionist’.
https://www.instagram.com/thecosentino/
https://www.youtube.com/officialcosentino
https://www.facebook.com/TheCosentino/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thecosentino
In this engaging conversation, Cosentino shares his journey from a shy child with learning difficulties to becoming a renowned magician. We discuss the evolution of magic in the digital age, the impact of social media on the craft, and the emotional connections that magic creates with audiences.
We also look at the need for magicians and illusionists to develop their own storytelling and performance style, the benefits of technology in enhancing the art form, and Cosentino offers valuable advice for aspiring magicians and shares insights about his upcoming tour ‘Tricked’.
00:00 The Journey to Becoming The Grand Illusionist
04:07 The Impact of Technology on Magic
07:37 The Evolution of Performance Styles
12:05 Navigating Fame and Social Media
17:06 Balancing Secrets and Exposure in Magic
22:47 The Evolution of Magic in the Digital Age
27:45 The Impact of Technology on Magic Performance
31:46 The Art of Creating Wonder
37:13 Leveraging Technology for Magic
41:20 Advice for Aspiring Magicians
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
magic, illusion, Cosentino, performance, technology, social media, emotional connection, advice for magicians, live shows, digital age
Has the internet ruined child safety?
Many people - especially parents - feel that the internet has seriously compromised the safety, well-being, and even innocence of young people, by exposing them to risks that the offline world struggles to contain.
To help us understand the reality, we’re joined by Brett Lee, a Cyber Safety Advocate, Author, and Founder of Internet Safe Education. https://www.internetsafeeducation.com/
We discuss the impact of the internet on child safety, exploring the evolution of online risks, the role of anonymity, and the importance of parental guidance.
We also look at the vulnerabilities of young minds and the need for legislation to protect children online, as well as the positive aspects of technology and the importance of community building in ensuring child safety in a digital world.
00:00 Introduction to Cyber Safety Education
03:08 The Evolution of Internet Dangers
05:56 The Nature of Online Predators
09:38 The Impact of Technology on Perception
11:52 Harmful Platform Features for Youth
14:29 Vulnerability of Young Users
17:07 Age Restrictions and Social Media
19:30 The Challenge of Cyberbullying
23:00 Anonymity and Its Dangers
25:53 The Role of Parents in Online Safety
26:37 The Role of Technology in Youth Creativity
27:55 Parental Guidance in Digital Spaces
29:45 Strategies for Safe Technology Use
31:37 Peer Pressure and Technology Access
33:25 Legislation and Community Norms
35:10 Positive Online Platforms for Youth
38:04 Navigating Social Media Risks
41:25 The Importance of Communication
45:41 Grassroots Efforts for Online Safety
48:07 Final Advice for Concerned Parents
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
child safety, internet dangers, cyber safety, online predators, social media impact, mental health, anonymity, age restrictions, digital education, technology risks, online safety, parental guidance, youth technology, cyberbullying, digital resilience, social media, internet legislation, positive online experiences, community building, communication
Has the internet ruined our attention spans?
Thanks to the constant stream of information, endless notifications, and explosion of rapid-fire, short-form content, are we losing our capacity for sustained focus and deep concentration?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Patrick Clarke, a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Curtin University. https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/patrick-clarke-ec8428e9/
We discuss the complexities of attention in the digital age, exploring how our interaction with technology affects our cognitive abilities and emotional experiences, and how while our attention-related habits have changed, our fundamental cognitive abilities remain intact.
We also look at various aspects of attention, including types, the impact of sensory load, and the influence of social media on mental health. Clarke also provides insights into strategies for improving focus and the importance of mindfulness in navigating the digital landscape.
00:00 Introduction to Attention and Digital Devices
02:48 Understanding Types of Attention
09:20 Attention Span in the Digital Age
11:00 Research Findings on Attention Over Time
13:10 The Impact of Interest on Focus
15:13 Switching Tasks and Focus
17:44 Brain Plasticity and Adaptation
21:40 Social Media and Short-Form Content
23:27 Cognitive Engagement and Anxiety Levels
24:12 The Impact of Short-Form Content
27:07 Social Media's Influence on Mental Health
30:46 Digital Interactions vs. Real-Life Relationships
32:38 Strategies for Improving Focus
38:38 Reassessing Attention Span Concerns
Let us know what else you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/
internet, attention span, digital devices, social media, cognitive psychology, focus, mental health, attention processes, short-form content, long-form content
From the biggest societal shifts to our smallest everyday habits, the internet gets blamed for everything we feel has gone bad.
Join us as we cut through the noise, explore the evidence, and find the true casualties of the web - and those we're just looking at wrong.
Let us know what you’d like us to look into, or just say hello at www.ruinedbytheinternet.com