We live in a simulation

We live in a simulation

Author: Caitlin Begg January 16, 2025 Duration: 9:02

From a ⁠Baudrillardian (versus ⁠Bostrum-esque)⁠ angle of simulation theory, I discuss why we live in a simulation, what that means in terms of everyday life, and how we can deal with it.


"THE SIMULACRUM IS NEVER WHAT HIDES THE TRUTH—IT IS TRUTH THAT HIDES THE FACT THAT THERE IS NONE. THE SIMULACRUM IS TRUE."

-Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra and Simulation (1981)


There's a quiet but persistent feeling that something essential is getting lost in our digital shuffle. Progression to Analog is a space to examine that feeling, hosted by sociologist and Authentic Social founder Caitlin Begg. This isn't a nostalgic retreat, but a thoughtful exploration of how reintroducing analog elements-whether in communication, work, or leisure-can reshape our daily experience toward something more intentional and, ultimately, more human. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond simple tool-swapping to ask deeper questions about presence, connection, and the architecture of our attention. You'll hear discussions that weave sociological insight with practical reflection, considering how the textures of a less-mediated life can influence our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering a regular pause to consider the pace and quality of the everyday. Tune in for a series that treats the analog not as an antiquated concept, but as a meaningful progression.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

Hypercommunication
Podcast Episodes
Who gets to be seen online? with Dr. Jess Rauchberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:23
We discuss "ugly laws", shadow bans, influencer snark (especially r/illnessfakers), influencers using sick kids for clout, child agency, state hopping by family content creators, the history of influencers , consumption…
The Nerd Reich and the War on Democracy with Gil Durán [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:08
Social media was once sold to us as "fun"—years later, the Big Tech leaders who sold us on it flaunt their authoritarian alignments.Gil Durán and I discuss his new book, "⁠The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the W…
We Have Too Many Friends Online with Ruby Justice Thelot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:50
We discuss connection bloat, unfollowing, the 'timeline acquaintance', unread messages, ambient copresence, Instagram Close Friends, cultural obsession with quantification, the realm of the facial hyperreal, AI looksmaxx…
Psychology of AI with Professor Steve Rathje [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
How is AI affecting our relationships? Our problem-solving capabilities? Our confidence? Steve Rathje and I chat about some of his recent research on AI sycophancy to explore these questions and more. A preview: people H…
Cultivating a Learning Lifestyle with Bella Dane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
I speak with content creator Bella Dane about how to cultivate a learning lifestyle... we cover topics like the importance of curiosity, how to rethink your relationship with learning, the role consistency and systems pl…
Get a hobby with Kerry Hurlbut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:10
We discuss the science behind analog hobbies, decluttering digital and physical lives, and more. Kerry Hurlbut, DNP, CPNP-PC is the founder of Pointed Positivity, a needlepoint wellness brand. She is also a Pediatric Nur…
Creator Mental Health with Shira Lazar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:50
Shira Lazar is the Co-Founder of What's Trending and the Founder of Creators 4 Mental Health. Creators 4 Mental Health brings mental well-being tools to the creator economy through individual support, community connectio…
Design Responsibly with Alex Wolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:02
From founding BossBabe at 21 and coining the term “millennial pink” to a career in tech philosophy spanning companies like Snap and LVMH... Alex Wolf has spent years at the intersection of community, culture, and technol…
Cyber Celibate with Tiffany Ng [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:00
New York-based technology and culture writer Tiffany Ng and I sit down to speak about all things ⁠Cyber Celibate⁠, Neo-Luddism, whimsy, 'rawdogging vacation', chaining her phone to a wall for a week, ⁠HTML energy⁠, and h…