Olympic excitement disappearing exposes how thoroughly algorithms control what reaches you. You normally feel the buildup to major sporting events. Previews, athlete profiles, countdown coverage. This time? Nothing. Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics approach and your awareness sits at zero. Your Instagram feed delivers flooring installation videos and woodworking content because those match your click history. Olympic coverage exists but lives in a parallel universe your algorithm never shows you.

The loss isn't the Olympics specifically. It's serendipitous discovery. Newspapers used to place stories in front of you regardless of interest. You'd encounter subjects you wouldn't actively seek. Addison's friend still loves picking up newspapers for exactly that reason. Algorithms killed that mechanism entirely. They show only what you've already demonstrated you want. NBC lost $873 million on Vancouver 2010 Olympics but threw a massive party anyway because ratings justified the investment. That economic model assumed cultural saturation. Now events reach only people already interested, fracturing what used to be shared experiences.

You're living in a curated bubble without choosing it. Other people exist in different bubbles seeing completely different realities. Major cultural moments happen and entire populations remain unaware because the algorithm decided they wouldn't care based on past behavior.

Topics: algorithm filter bubble, Olympic hype decline, serendipitous discovery, media curation problems, shared cultural experiences

GUEST: Bob Addison | @‌riobobbo

Originally aired on 2026-02-03

Olympic excitement disappearing exposes how thoroughly algorithms control what reaches you. You normally feel the buildup to major sporting events. Previews, athlete profiles, countdown coverage. This time? Nothing. Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics approach and your awareness sits at zero. Your Instagram feed delivers flooring installation videos and woodworking content because those match your click history. Olympic coverage exists but lives in a parallel universe your algorithm never shows you.
The loss isn't the Olympics specifically. It's serendipitous discovery. Newspapers used to place stories in front of you regardless of interest. You'd encounter subjects you wouldn't actively seek. Addison's friend still loves picking up newspapers for exactly that reason. Algorithms killed that mechanism entirely. They show only what you've already demonstrated you want. NBC lost $873 million on Vancouver 2010 Olympics but threw a massive party anyway because ratings justified the investment. That economic model assumed cultural saturation. Now events reach only people already interested, fracturing what used to be shared experiences.
You're living in a curated bubble without choosing it. Other people exist in different bubbles seeing completely different realities. Major cultural moments happen and entire populations remain unaware because the algorithm decided they wouldn't care based on past behavior.
Topics: algorithm filter bubble, Olympic hype decline, serendipitous discovery, media curation problems, shared cultural experiences
GUEST: Bob Addison | @&zwnj;riobobbo
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-03

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.