Tasteland Ep. 51: Never Post ft. Mike Rugnetta
Jul 16, 2025
Joining the conversation is Mike Rugnetta, a writer and podcaster known for his insights on digital culture. He dives into the shifting landscape of online content creation, examining how corporate influences and AI could reshape our digital narratives. The discussion also navigates the challenges of censorship and the complexities of human attention in today's world. From the role of algorithmic recommendations to the struggles of genuine expression, Mike's expertise sheds light on the evolving relationship between technology and creativity.
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2006 Internet Optimism Overlooked Flaws
- The optimistic 2006 vision of the internet ignored that people could wield power negatively online.
- The internet shifted from a community of individuals to a corporate-dominated space where "creators" act like businesses.
The End of Platforms Era
- The age of platforms like Facebook and Google feels like it's ending due to societal pushback.
- These platforms are ironically antisocial despite being called social media, prompting desire for change.
AI as Platform Survival Strategy
- The decline of ad-supported platforms pushes companies like Facebook to invest heavily in AI for new revenue.
- AI is likely to replace human content packers, sustaining platform control over content streams.