Listen "YouTube turns 20; and the interesting side of boredom"
Episode Synopsis
YouTube is the second biggest website in the world, containing more than 14.8 billion videos. It's been a huge success, but its public image as a haven for influencers and digital monetisers belies its true character and role. Ryan McGrady from the University of Massachusetts takes us inside the online behemoth. Also, perspectives on boredom, its purpose and prevalence; its relationship to time, and why the measures we undertake to fight boredom so often backfire.GuestsIsabella Lee — Production assistant, Guardian AustraliaDr Michael Inzlicht — Professor of Philosophy, University of TorontoDr Maria Balaska — Philosopher and Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire and Åbo Akademi University (Finland)Dr Ryan McGrady — Senior Research Fellow, Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure, University of Massachusetts at AmherstFuture Tense — The vicious cycle of fear and anger — and how it traps society
More episodes of the podcast Future Tense
A tale of two futuristic cities
28/11/2025
Ancient viruses, new threats
21/11/2025
Disinformation, digital tech and democracy
31/10/2025
Getting up to speed with autonomous vehicles
24/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.