“Every book leaves a mark. This is where we talk about it.”
Why do ordinary people sometimes say things online that they would never say to someone sitting across the table? And what happens when thousands of people decide that they’re only adding one comment?
In this first episode of the Unkindness mini-series, I explore the questions that led me to spend more than six years writing my novel. We look at online cruelty, the psychology of pile-ons, and the uncomfortable relationship between human behaviour and the platforms that reward engagement.
In this episode, I talk about:
- Why distance, anonymity, and the absence of immediate human feedback can change how we behave online.
- How legitimate criticism can become collective punishment when thousands of people join in.
- The incentives that can make outrage and engagement difficult to separate.
- The central idea behind Unkindness, including a platform where debate and a leaderboard gradually become something far more toxic.
- One small change in perspective that might make us think twice before joining an online pile-on.
About the Unkindness Series
Over the coming months, I’ll be exploring the real-world questions behind Unkindness, my forthcoming novel about online cruelty, corporate incentives, and the people caught between them. Each episode stands alone, whether you intend to read the book or simply want to think more deeply about the subject.
The next episode asks: What Happens When Anger Becomes the Business Model?
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What is Offbeat Journeys?
Offbeat Journeys. Books that shaped us. Stories that shift us. Conversations with indie authors and occasional solo wanderings, about the stories that leave a mark.
Hosted by James, Offbeat Journeys explores the books that influenced how we think, write, and see the world. Some episodes feature deep conversations with independent author. Others follow James down the winding road of writing and self-publishing life.
Whether you're an indie author, a curious reader, or someone who just loves hearing how stories shape people - there's a place for you here.