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

#internet #podcast #technology #society #culture

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://johndedakis.com/

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

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://amandalotz.com

⁠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 Evolution of Television and Media Studies

03:02 Impact of the Internet on Traditional TV

05:34 The Post-Network Era Explained

08:12 Changing Audience Behaviours and Viewing Habits

10:34 The Role of Technology in Viewing Experiences

13:21 The Inevitability of On-Demand Viewing

15:45 Netflix's Influence on Streaming Services

18:14 The Australian Broadcasting Landscape

20:41 Metrics of Success in a Fragmented Market

25:02 Understanding Netflix's Viewing Patterns

27:17 Traditional Broadcasters vs. Streaming Disruption

30:59 The New Golden Age of Television

33:22 Local Content Quotas in Australia

37:05 The Future of Traditional Broadcasting

42:50 The Evolution 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

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

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://yourdatingbestie.com

https://www.ellyklein.com/blog

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

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

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

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/

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

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/

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