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.cosentino.com.au/

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