DarkHorse Podcast Can the internet make you sick? The 297th Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
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Oct 18, 2025 The hosts delve into the disorienting feelings of returning home after time away, highlighting culture shock and the transformative power of perspective. They explore the unsettling topics of social media's impact on shared reality and the notion of social contagion, linking it to mental health crises. A poignant discussion arises around assisted suicide and the controversial concept of 'terminal anorexia,' raising ethical questions on individual rights. Finally, they analyze the promising potential of AI in revolutionizing cancer treatment through drug combination predictions.
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Camino Friendship And Culture Shock
- Heather describes meeting fellow hikers on the Camino who became friends through repeated encounters on the route.
- She explains the Camino's isolation reduced online engagement and revealed culture with fresh objectivity upon return.
Return Creates Stronger Culture Shock
- Bret notes returning from long trips often causes greater culture shock at home than arriving abroad.
- He says absence reveals which parts of your culture you truly value or should question.
Shared Media Enables Common Reality
- Heather and Bret argue shared media once created a common narrative that enabled civic discussion.
- They warn fragmented, attention-driven online sources erode shared reality and understanding.
