Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?

Decentralisation: Freedom or Fragmented Control?

Author: Gareth King March 11, 2026 Duration: 46:50

The internet promised to be an escape from centralised power. But thanks to the domination of Big Tech and Venture Capital, has the dream of a user-controlled, peer-to-peer network been systematically stolen by a new set of gatekeepers?

Joining us is Joseph Kennedy, Head of Marketing & Growth at blockchain platform Alephium.

⁠http://www.alephium.org⁠

⁠http://www.twitter.com/bigpepghost⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkennedyuk/⁠

Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not.

Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠

In this episode, Joseph joins us to explore the evolution of decentralisation in the internet age, particularly focusing on the impact of big tech and venture capital on the original ideals of blockchain technology. We discuss the rise and fall of cryptocurrencies, the role of centralised exchanges, public perception of Web3, and the influence of government regulation.

We also look at the future of decentralisation, the risks posed by centralisation, and the potential for self-regulation within the crypto space.

00:00 The Promise of Decentralization and Its Erosion

02:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Crypto

06:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Infrastructure Dilemma

08:57 Public Perception of Crypto and Web3

12:11 The Influence of Regulation on Decentralized Innovations

15:08 Corporate Involvement in Web3: A Double-Edged Sword

17:52 NFTs: Beyond the Hype and Towards Utility

20:50 Value Perception in the Digital Asset Space

23:07 The Rise and Fall of Steemit

28:08 Centralization vs. Decentralization: The Ethical Dilemma

30:29 Self-Regulation in the Decentralized Space

33:18 Government Control and the Decentralized Response

37:50 Barriers to Mass Adoption of Decentralization

40:12 The Future of Decentralization: A Divided Landscape

42:55 A Vision for True Decentralization

#Web3 #DigitalSovereignty #BigTech #internet #technology #society #culture


It’s a question that nags at anyone who’s ever felt a pang of nostalgia or a wave of digital fatigue: are we better or worse off because of our constant connection? Hosted by Gareth King, Ruined By The Internet? digs into that uneasy feeling, moving beyond simple headlines to explore how our online world actively moulds society, culture, and the texture of daily life. This isn’t about reviewing apps or gadgets; it’s about treating the digital realm as the pervasive environment it has become. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with leading thinkers and researchers from around the world, dissecting the real evidence behind our shared anxieties and hopes. You’ll hear nuanced discussions that ask whether the casualties we often blame on technology are inevitable, or if we’re simply misdiagnosing deeper societal shifts. This podcast provides a space for considered reflection, offering listeners a clearer lens through which to view their own place in a world that is, for better or worse, thoroughly wired.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Ruined By The Internet? - Uncovering the human cost of our digital world
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