Conspiracy Theories: Weaponised From the Fringe to Your Feed? | Misinformation, Radicalisation & the Attention Economy
June 21, 2026

Conspiracy Theories: Weaponised From the Fringe to Your Feed? | Misinformation, Radicalisation & the Attention Economy

The internet gave us a way for conspiracy theories to find their audiences, connecting people and building communities around often-fringe ideas. But has it also supercharged them, turning once-fringe ideas into powerful forces of polarisation, division and radicalisation that reach far beyond the screen? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We...
Guest: Dani Mercy
Job Security: Optimised for Our Own Obsolescence? | AI, Automation, Future of Work & Job Displacement
June 3, 2026

Job Security: Optimised for Our Own Obsolescence? | AI, Automation, Future of Work & Job Displacement

It promised to make us more productive, more employable, and more economically secure. But as AI begins replacing not just tasks but entire professional roles - including ones that took many years to reach - is technology making job security itself an obsolete concept? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We’re joined by Nick Jain, a Harvard-tr...
Guest: Nick Jain
Retail: Convenience That Costs Everything? | E-Commerce, Consumer Behaviour & the Future of Retail
May 21, 2026

Retail: Convenience That Costs Everything? | E-Commerce, Consumer Behaviour & the Future of Retail

The internet promised to bring the world's stores directly to us. But in chasing convenience over everything, has it killed the high street, gutted retailers, and replaced the experience of shopping with a transaction? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Joe Zahaitis, a payments industry strategist with over 30 years experience...
Sleep: Screens Stealing Our Slumber? | Screen Time, Sleep Science & Digital Wellbeing
May 7, 2026

Sleep: Screens Stealing Our Slumber? | Screen Time, Sleep Science & Digital Wellbeing

The internet promised us connection that never sleeps. But has it also been sabotaging our rest - leaving us locked in a nightly battle with a digital world that refuses to turn off? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Chelsea Reynolds - sleep researcher and clinical psychologist - who is exactly the right person to ask about w...
Empowerment: Objectification Rebranded as Agency? | Digital Monetisation & the Attention Economy
April 26, 2026

Empowerment: Objectification Rebranded as Agency? | Digital Monetisation & the Attention Economy

When it comes to empowering ourselves, we were told the internet would give us back control. But instead, has it simply delivered a more efficient way for us to become products, and successfully rebranded objectification as agency? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We’re joined by Courtney Kocak - writer, comedian, and author of the memoir ‘...
Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service? | Airbnb, PropTech & the Housing Crisis
April 14, 2026

Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service? | Airbnb, PropTech & the Housing Crisis

The internet was supposed to make the rental market more efficient and transparent. But has it instead turned the basic human need for shelter into a frantic, dehumanising battle with technology - where algorithms, platforms, and data have more power than the people looking for a home? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Thomas...
Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance? | Social Media, Algorithms & Personal Growth
April 1, 2026

Self Improvement: Progress Replaced with Performance? | Social Media, Algorithms & Personal Growth

The internet promised to make self-improvement accessible to everyone. But has it instead turned it into a spectator sport - replacing process with performance, and pushing us to consume playbooks rather than actually build habits? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Justin Leff - behavioural coach and founder of Solilium Coach...
Guest: Justin Leff
The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work? | Uber, The Gig Economy & Worker Rights
March 21, 2026

The Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Destruction of Dignified Work? | Uber, The Gig Economy & Worker Rights

The internet promised to revolutionise how we get around - delivering a modern, efficient, and affordable alternative to the old ways. But did the revolution simply replace one system with 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined b...
Guest: Rod Barton
Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control? | Blockchain, Crypto, Web3 & Digital Freedom
March 11, 2026

Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control? | Blockchain, Crypto, Web3 & Digital Freedom

The internet promised to be an escape from centralised power - a user-controlled, peer-to-peer network that would democratise access and dismantle the gatekeepers. But thanks to the domination of Big Tech and Venture Capital, has that dream been systematically stolen and replaced by a new set of gatekeepers wearing different clothes? 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 or subscribe to never mi...
Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy? | Relationships, Social Media & the Psychology of Connection
March 1, 2026

Deeper Connection: An Algorithmic Illusion of Intimacy? | Relationships, Social Media & the Psychology of Connection

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? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides - clinical psychologist specialising in Mindfulness-b...
Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic? | Psychedelics, Cultural Appropriation & Spiritual Tourism
Feb. 16, 2026

Ayahuasca: From Ancient Ritual to Instagram Aesthetic? | Psychedelics, Cultural Appropriation & Spiritual Tourism

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, fuelling a rise in unqualified facilitators and a dangerous disregard for the cultural traditions it came from? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. ...
Guest: Bia Labate
Common Ground: From Dialogue to Digital Battlefield? | Polarisation, Echo Chambers, Algorithms & Social Media
Feb. 4, 2026

Common Ground: From Dialogue to Digital Battlefield? | Polarisation, Echo Chambers, Algorithms & Social Media

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 common ground harder to find than ever? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Dr Andres Reiljan - political ...
Brand Trust: The Era of Algorithmic Enshittification? | Marketing, Surveillance Capitalism & Digital Advertising
Jan. 25, 2026

Brand Trust: The Era of Algorithmic Enshittification? | Marketing, Surveillance Capitalism & Digital Advertising

The internet was supposed to empower brands to build relationships based on authenticity and shared values. But has it instead become a surveillance capitalism machine - exploiting and manipulating our attention until we stopped trusting brands, marketing, and the platforms behind them entirely? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined...
Reputation Management: A New World of Digital Life Sentences? | Crisis Communications, Online Reputation & Digital PR
Jan. 14, 2026

Reputation Management: A New World of Digital Life Sentences? | Crisis Communications, Online Reputation & Digital PR

By creating an environment of radically decentralised authority, has the internet shattered the slow, controlled process of reputation management - turning it into a fast, volatile, and potentially permanent crisis cycle where your worst moment follows you forever? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Stuart Thomson - public aff...
Trust in Information: The End of Believing Our Own Eyes? | Misinformation, Media Trust, AI & Digital Literacy
Jan. 4, 2026

Trust in Information: The End of Believing Our Own Eyes? | Misinformation, Media Trust, AI & Digital Literacy

The internet promised a more informed society where anyone could share knowledge freely. But has it instead created 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Terry Flew - Professor of Digital Communication & Cul...
Guest: Terry Flew
The Internet: A Corporate Hijacking of Digital Freedom? | Big Tech, Digital Censorship & Online Freedom
Dec. 21, 2025

The Internet: A Corporate Hijacking of Digital Freedom? | Big Tech, Digital Censorship & Online Freedom

The internet was supposed to be where the free exchange of knowledge and ideas happened. But has it instead become a place increasingly controlled by a handful of companies - where inconvenient ideas are suppressed, and the original promise of an open web has been quietly hijacked? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Wouter Con...
Truly Disappearing: Powering Our Own Perpetual Surveillance? | Digital Footprints, Online Privacy & Data Retention
Dec. 11, 2025

Truly Disappearing: Powering Our Own Perpetual Surveillance? | Digital Footprints, Online Privacy & Data Retention

The internet has given us unprecedented connection. But thanks to relentless data retention and the constant tracking of our every digital move, is it now virtually impossible to shed our old identity and start a new life undetected? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Lachlan Jarvis - private investigator, digital forensics ex...
Social Interaction: The Digital Erasure of Presence? | Digital Distraction, Phone Addiction & Mental Health
Nov. 30, 2025

Social Interaction: The Digital Erasure of Presence? | Digital Distraction, Phone Addiction & Mental Health

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? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Emily Toner - clinical psychologist and international expert in mindfulness, eco-psyc...
Guest: Emily Toner
Music: An Algorithmic Burial of Human Artists? | Spotify, TikTok & The Music Industry
Nov. 16, 2025

Music: An Algorithmic Burial of Human Artists? | Spotify, TikTok & The Music Industry

The internet promised to empower artists and give listeners infinite choice. But has it instead turned music into a disposable commodity - replacing human curation with algorithms, and making it virtually impossible for most artists to earn a sustainable living? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Charlie Hooper-Williams - crit...
Gambling: Optimised for Frictionless Financial Mayhem? | Online Gambling Addiction, Betting Apps & Regulation
Nov. 2, 2025

Gambling: Optimised for Frictionless Financial Mayhem? | Online Gambling Addiction, Betting Apps & Regulation

The internet promised to modernise an age-old activity, bringing new convenience to a quick thrill. But has it instead delivered a predatory, 24/7 addiction machine - one that exploits our psychology with algorithms and has created what many now consider a serious public health crisis? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Mark K...
The Human Identity: Authenticity or Algorithmic Performance? | Social Media, Digital Identity & Online Personas
Oct. 19, 2025

The Human Identity: Authenticity or Algorithmic Performance? | Social Media, Digital Identity & Online Personas

The internet promised a world of self-expression and genuine connection. But has it instead encouraged us to build performative versions of ourselves - curated by algorithms and validated by likes - until we've lost track of who we actually are? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Colin Corby - Digital Detox Coach, Technologist...
Guest: Colin Corby
Human Resources: The Era of Digital Reductionism? | AI Hiring, Workplace Surveillance & HR Technology
Oct. 12, 2025

Human Resources: The Era of Digital Reductionism? | AI Hiring, Workplace Surveillance & HR Technology

The internet promised to make human resources more efficient, objective, and data-driven. But has it instead turned a human-centric discipline into an automated, impersonal system - introducing new ethical concerns, workplace surveillance, and privacy risks that nobody signed up for? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Dr Justi...
Video Games: From Finished Art to Perpetual Product? | Gaming Industry, Microtransactions, Esports & Game Development
Oct. 1, 2025

Video Games: From Finished Art to Perpetual Product? | Gaming Industry, Microtransactions, Esports & Game Development

Through predatory monetisation, rushed development, and profits placed firmly over player enjoyment, has the internet turned one of the world's great creative mediums into a subscription-driven, microtransaction-riddled shadow of what it once promised to be? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by Steve Wright - owner and Editor-in...
Guest: Steve Wright
Journalism & News: From Fact-Checking to Attention-Seeking? | Media Trust, Misinformation & Citizen Journalism
Sept. 21, 2025

Journalism & News: From Fact-Checking to Attention-Seeking? | Media Trust, Misinformation & Citizen Journalism

The internet promised unlimited reach, direct engagement, and a more informed world. But has it instead devalued expertise - creating a clicks and outrage economy where speed reigns over accuracy, and trust in journalism has never been lower? 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 or subscribe to never miss the next investigation. We're joined by John DeDakis - award-winning novelist, writing coa...
Guest: John DeDakis