Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service?

Rental Markets: A Frantic Fight for Shelter as a Service?

Author: Gareth King April 13, 2026 Duration: 45:24

The internet was supposed to make the rental market more efficient and transparent. But has it instead turned the basic need for shelter into a frantic and dehumanising battle with technology?

In this episode we’re joined by Thomas Sigler, Deputy Head of the School of the Environment, and an Associate Professor of Human Geography at The University of Queensland.

https://environment.uq.edu.au/profile/9602/thomas-sigler

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

Thomas joins us to explore the intersection of urban geography, technology, and the rental market. We discuss the impact of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, the complexities of the rental crisis, and the role of technology in shaping housing dynamics.

We also look at the implications of remote work on housing demand, the benefits and risks of digital platforms, data privacy concerns, and the influence of property influencers in the market.

00:00 Introduction to the Rental Market Crisis

02:57 The Impact of Short-Term Rentals

06:04 Understanding the Rental Market Dynamics

08:47 The Role of PropTech in Rental Searches

11:55 Community Resistance and Transient Populations

15:02 The Rise of Digital Nomadism

17:51 The Transparency of Digital Platforms

21:07 Privacy Concerns in Rental Applications

24:09 Regulatory Challenges in the Rental Market

26:45 The Influence of Property Influencers

29:56 FOMO and the Property Market

33:10 Crisis in the Housing Market

36:05 The Future of Housing and Technology

38:59 Actionable Steps for Renters


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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