Inside the Mind of a Social Media Villain: Tim O’Hearn on the Hidden Mechanics of Influence

Inside the Mind of a Social Media Villain: Tim O’Hearn on the Hidden Mechanics of Influence

20 Oct, 2025

What happens when a software engineer pulls back the curtain on social media’s inner workings? In this episode, Virginia Purnell talks with Tim O’Hearn, author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective on Social Media, about the psychological and technical forces that shape what we see, share, and believe online.

You’ll learn:

  • How Tim’s unconventional path led from tech to authorship
     
  • The real mechanics behind social media growth
     
  • What entrepreneurs misunderstand about “influence”
     
  • Why authenticity is more powerful than algorithms
     
  • How to think critically about your digital footprint
     

About Tim:
Tim O’Hearn is a software engineer, writer, and entrepreneur whose debut book, Framed, became an Amazon #1 bestseller in the “Social Aspects of the Internet” category. His work explores the intersection of psychology, technology, and society—helping readers and entrepreneurs understand the hidden systems that shape our online world.

Connect with Tim:
🔗 tjohearn.com
📘 LinkedIn
📰 timohearn.beehiiv.com
📚 Buy Framed on Amazon

Connect with Virginia:
🌐 entrepreneurconundrum.com/timohearn
📸 IG: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm

      FB: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm
💼 LI: Virginia Purnell

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Virginia Purnell

Virginia lives in Northern Alberta on a small farm with her husband and three children. Virginia is a master funnel builder having been certified as an FG Society Master Marketer, Funnelytics, and ClickFunnels Certified Partner. She uses that knowledge to help businesses with their online presence, visibility, and sales.