Why people are meaner online has a cleaner answer than most people want to admit. Greg Fish ran the experiment himself: three months of deliberately aggressive posts on social media, taking bait, going for the gut punch. A million views on Threads. Follows, likes, subscriptions. The reward structure is not broken. It is working exactly as designed.

A Pew study asked people around the world whether they believe their fellow citizens are fundamentally good people. In Canada, 92% said yes. In the United States, 53% said the opposite, the highest in the survey. Those two numbers live on the same planet and they do not describe the same world.

The people who get away with anything online get watched. Then they get emulated.

Topics: why people are meaner online, social media rewards negativity, Canada USA trust gap, online behaviour, intrusive thoughts social media

GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com

Originally aired on 2026-04-22

Why people are meaner online has a cleaner answer than most people want to admit. Greg Fish ran the experiment himself: three months of deliberately aggressive posts on social media, taking bait, going for the gut punch. A million views on Threads. Follows, likes, subscriptions. The reward structure is not broken. It is working exactly as designed.
A Pew study asked people around the world whether they believe their fellow citizens are fundamentally good people. In Canada, 92% said yes. In the United States, 53% said the opposite, the highest in the survey. Those two numbers live on the same planet and they do not describe the same world.
The people who get away with anything online get watched. Then they get emulated.
Topics: why people are meaner online, social media rewards negativity, Canada USA trust gap, online behaviour, intrusive thoughts social media
GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-22

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.