Episode 35: The Internet’s Comment Section: Humanity’s Greatest Mistake?

Feb 13, 2025
Marketing

Marketing

00:00 /

In this episode of Surprise – It’s Not a Toaster, Chris Boyer and Ed Bennett dive into the wild world of online comments—from YouTube rants to Google reviews and Twitter’s never-ending chaos (which is basically just one giant comment section). They trace the history of internet commenting, exploring how we went from early, nerdy UseNet forums to today’s digital free-for-all of trolling, toxicity, and the occasional comedy goldmine.

But are comments good or bad for us? Studies show exposure to negative comments can increase anxiety, impact sleep, and even drive consumer behavior—making or breaking businesses. At the same time, Google loves well-moderated comments for SEO, proving that even the worst takes have value (sometimes).

Also in this episode:

AI Art with MidJourney—Is generative AI taking creativity to the next level, or just another tool for internet weirdness?
GenAI Stump—Chris and Ed put AI to the test with an ethical dilemma worthy of a philosophy class (or at least a heated Reddit debate).

Join us as we laugh, rant, and question the very fabric of online discourse—because sometimes, the best response to a terrible comment is just closing the browser tab.

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Ed Bennett

An early adopter and innovator of digital technology, Ed knows first-hand how digital tools have stimulated consumer engagement, improved revenue, and transformed how we do both. He is passionate about helping healthcare organizations develop digital strategies and actionable plans for future growth. He is also the administrator of the website http://MarTech.Health

Chris Boyer

Principal, @chrisboyer LLC Using digital marketing, experience and UCD/CX to transform healthcare. Co-host of the touch point podcast and founder of the Touch Point Media network.

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