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Ruined By The Internet?

Ruined By The Internet?

Written by: Gareth King
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Ever feel like the internet ruined everything? Join us as we explore the impacts of the technology shaping Society, Culture & the Modern World. Through in-depth conversations with relevant experts, we investigate the arguments, examine the evidence, and uncover the true casualties of the web - and the things we're just looking at wrong. If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠www.ruinedbytheinternet.comGareth King Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Brand Trust: has the internet replaced true soul with data-driven shape-shifting? – Nick Richtsmeier
    Jan 25 2026

    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 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

    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/⁠

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    50 mins
  • Reputation Management: has the internet turned mistakes into life sentences? – Stuart Thomson
    Jan 14 2026

    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?

    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

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

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    35 mins
  • Trust In Information: has the internet broken our ability to trust our own eyes? – Terry Flew
    Jan 4 2026

    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.

    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. With Terry’s deep understanding of what’s broken down, we’ll be asking has the internet ruined Trust In Information?

    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

    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/⁠

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    35 mins
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