YouTube turns 20; and the interesting side of boredom

02/05/2025 28 min
YouTube turns 20; and the interesting side of boredom

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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