Ruined By The Internet?

The Internet: has the internet been hijacked by corporate and government control? – Wouter Constant

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 Decline02:54 The Rise of Centralised Platforms05:54 Investment, Network Effects, and the Corporate Sphere09:00 Government Involvement and Censorship Dynamics12:02 The Future of the Internet: Decentralisation and Freedom of Association15:07 Challenges of a Decentralised Internet18:08 The Responsibility of Platforms and User Experience27:09 Understanding Responsibility in Digital Spaces29:44 The Evolution of Decentralised Social Media32:30 Nostr vs. Bluesky: A Comparative Analysis35:30 The Role of Identity and Reputation in Nostr39:16 Decentralisation and Content Authenticity44:25 Navigating AI-Generated Content in Nostr50:51 Building a Safer Internet for Future GenerationsIf 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/⁠

Truly Disappearing: has the internet’s perpetual surveillance killed the option to escape? – Lachlan Jarvis

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_PIhttps://www.instagram.com/lyonswoodinvestigations/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/LyonswoodInvestigationshttps://www.youtube.com/@lyonswoodinvestigationsIn 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 Identity03:12 The Evolution of Private Investigation06:07 Understanding Digital Footprints09:03 Active vs Passive Digital Footprints12:13 The Right to be Forgotten14:59 The Challenges of Disappearing17:50 The Role of AI in Investigation20:54 The Feasibility of Reinventing Oneself24:09 Digital Hygiene and Security27:08 Identity Theft and Its Consequences30:00 The Future of Digital PrivacyIf 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/⁠

Social Interaction: has the internet invaded our spaces and damaged our experiences? – Emily Toner

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.comhttps://pod.link/1828836798https://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 Interaction05:06 The Importance of Social Connection09:55 Changing Definitions of Social Interaction14:51 The Distraction of Technology in Social Settings20:03 Phubbing: The New Social Norm24:48 The State of Doingness vs. Beingness28:09 The Importance of Community Connections35:37 The Impact of Digital Interactions on Relationships39:22 AI and the Future of Connection46:25 Practical Strategies for Healthy Social InteractionsIf 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/⁠

Music: has the internet replaced artists with algorithms? – Charlie Hooper-Williams

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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/charliehooperwilliamshttps://www.youtube.com/@CharlieHooperWilliamsIn 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 Journey01:31 The Impact of Digital Transformation on Music02:33 The TikTokification of Music04:17 The Devaluation of Music as an Art Form05:32 Streaming Platforms: Exposure vs. Earnings08:06 The Role of Spotify in the Music Industry08:51 The Challenges of Discoverability in the Digital Age12:17 The Evolution of Artist-Fan Relationships17:52 Technology's Role in Music Creation and Distribution20:04 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape22:56 The Art of Live Performance and Technology25:46 The Role of Algorithms and AI in Music34:50 The Future of Music in a Digital Age40:46 Advice for Aspiring Musicians and CreatorsIf 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/⁠⁠

Gambling: has the internet turned your phone into a 24/7 addiction machine? – Mark Kempster

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_kempsterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kempster-2925317b/https://x.com/OffOddshttps://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 Impact06:55 Addictive Design of Gambling Apps11:48 Regulatory Challenges and Industry Influence15:59 The Role of Data in Targeting Gamblers23:38 The Future of Gambling Reform in Australia25:33 The Pervasiveness of Gambling Among Youth27:57 The Dangers of In-Play Betting30:46 Normalisation of Gambling in Society34:49 The Role of Technology in Gambling Addiction39:03 The Need for Regulation and Accountability43:33 Advocacy for Change and Hope for the FutureIf 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/⁠⁠