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We talked to Evelyn Murray, Psychology PhD candidate at Aston University, at the BPS Cyberpsychology Conference in July last year.
She presented her research on how people perceive social media and what counts as a social media platform. We were amazed by how little agreement there is! We knew immediately that we wanted to hear about her research on the podcast.
You can find Evelyn's study here as a pre-print:Exploring Public Perceptions of Social Media: A Preregistered Mixed-Methods Study" - (Preprint link) https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/n7xr3_v1
And you can find Evelyn on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-murray-7ba154248/
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Is fandom good for your mental healthâor quietly wrecking it? We are joined by researcher Derek Laffan to discuss his research on K-pop, the positives and negatives of fandom communities. Join us and dive into Cyberpsychology of stans, ships, and parasocial love: Kâpop, influencers and parasocial relationships, parasocial grief, and shipping conspiracies.
Resources
Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Fanship in K-Pop Fans: A Social Identity Theory Perspective - Laffan et al. (2021).
Effects of Online Fan Community Interactions on Well-Being and Sense of Virtual Community - Kim et al. (2023).
The role of cyberbullying victimization in the relationship between psychological sense of community and wellâbeing among BTS fans. - Laffan et al. (2023)
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Fehlende Folgen?
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This week we're focusing on cyberstalking, something far more serious than secretly checking someone's Instagram. We're joined by an incredible guest, Dr Cassidy Weekes, whose research focuses on exactly this issue. We're talking criminal harassment that ruins lives, and we'll look at some high profile cases and stories from the media that highlight just how disturbing this behavior gets.
We talk about who the perpetrators are, and what drives them, how they use everything from constant messaging to spyware, GPS tracking, and hacking accounts. We also look at the effects on victims, who can end up with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and serious impacts on their lives and loved ones.
This episide definitely needs a content warning and pleae find resources below if you have, or are, experiencing anything like this.
Dr Cassidy Weekes on LinkedIn
Resources in IrelandInformation about what to do if you're being stalked in Irelandhttps://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/law-enforcement/civil-restraining-orders/https://www.stalkinginireland.ie/supporthttps://hotline.ie/irish-support-services/https://www.womensaid.ie/get-help/talk-to-us/ Resources in the UKhttps://www.suzylamplugh.org/National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300https://alicerugglestrust.org/ ResearchWeekes, C, et al.. (2025). Cyberstalking Perpetrators and Their Methods: A Systematic Literature Review BrankoviÄ et al. (2022). How traditional stalking and cyberstalking correlate with the Dark Tetrad traits? Stevens, et al. (2021). Cyber Stalking, Cyber Harassment, and Adult Mental Health: A Systematic Review -
We have a fun episode to start the new year, where we explores the psychology, history, and science behind the internet's (and Nicolaâs) obsession with feline content. We were lucky to have a guest in studio with us for this episode, Dr Grace Carroll, an expert in animal behaviour, with a particular interest in cats!
We trace the evolution of cat memes from the 2007 launch of "I Can Has Cheezburger?" through to today's weird and viral AI cat Chubby.
We unpack how baby features in animals activate our caregiving instincts, why cats might be like cuckoos, how domestication works, what the "cute aggression" phenomenon is (that urge to squeeze adorable things), and how cat videos genuinely improve mood, reduce anxiety, and combat loneliness!
Cats conquered the internet because they're perfectly engineered for itâcute, funny, and capable of triggering real emotional connections across all cultures.
And for once we need no content warning! And check our instagram for pictures of the cats we talked about in the episode!
Special thanks to Joel Veitch of the band Rathergood.com who kindly allowed us to use the viral song The internet is made of cats in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/track/1VoLR7BNTIODmwvVWLnobX
Links to stories/media
The history of I Can Has Cheezburgerhttps://www.cnet.com/culture/the-history-of-i-can-has-cheezburger/https://icanhas.cheezburger.com/
BBC - How cats won the internet - Maria Bustillos 2015 https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20150918-how-did-cats-win-the-internet
Maru's Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/mugumogu
The unstoppable rise of Chubby: Why TikTok's AI-generated cat could be the future of the internet https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240819-why-these-ai-cat-videos-may-be-the-internets-future
Studies
Shiri Lieber-Milo (2025). Cuteness and Its Emotional Responseshttps://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/5/3/146
Stavropoulos & Alba. (2018). âItâs so Cute I Could Crush It!â: Understanding Neural Mechanisms of Cute Aggressionhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00300/full
Zhang et al. (2025). Animal Video Lovers Always Have Company: The Role of Cyber-Mediated Animal Attachment in Loneliness, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/17/2593
Li et al. (2025). Psychological Benefits of Companion Animals: Exploring the Distinction Between Ownership and Online Animal Watchinghttps://brill.com/view/journals/soan/aop/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10244/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10244.xml
Kogan et al (2018). Use of Short Animal-Themed Videos to Enhance Veterinary Studentsâ Mood, Attention, and Understanding of Pharmacology Lectureshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28960127/
Jessica Gall Myrick. (2015). Emotion regulation, procrastination, and watching cat videos online: Who watches Internet cats, why, and to what effect?https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.06.001
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Christmas has gone digitalâwe shop online, video call the family abroad, and scroll through everyone's seemingly perfect holiday posts. But what's all this screen time actually doing to us?
In this special Christmas episode, we get into the psychology behind our online Christmas habits. Why do we post photos of our Christmas trees and do we compare them to more perfect ones (like Liams)? Why does Spotify Wrapped feel so personal and what do we get out of sharing it? Can video calls with family make us feel both connected and lonely at the same time?
We also cover the messier bits: how Instagram's algorithm shows you everyone's highlight reel (minus the family rows), why Christmas music is fine when you choose it but torture when it's blasted at you in the shops, and the rise in some more negative aspects of the online world over the Christmas break.
The takeaway? You don't need to reject your phone at Christmasâjust be more thoughtful about how you're using it.
Research
Lonely Algorithms on TikTok - Taylor & Chen (2024)
Music Management in workplaces - Keeler et al. (2025)
Combating Loneliness with Nostalgia - Abeyta et al. (2020)
Resources
HSE Combating Loneliness and isolation
Alone.ie
Avoiding Online Scams
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We were planning to take a break over Christmas, but Liam surprised us all (including Nicola) with a Christmas special! It drops Friday the 12th, then we'll be on hiatus until January 6th to rest and recharge for 2026. And no, we're not making any predictions about how that year will goâwe're not jinxing it!
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In this episode, we explore AI's growing role in mental health support and therapy. We revisit the story of ELIZA, the 1960s chatbot that unexpectedly convinced users it could understand them, and examine what this reveals about our tendency to project human qualities onto technology.
Our discussion covers recent research showing mental health is now the top query for ChatGPT in Ireland, with many users turning to AI for emotional support and coping strategies instead of traditional therapy. We investigate why people are choosing AI alternatives, the concerns therapists have raised about issues like suicidal thoughts and depression being discussed with chatbots, and the critical limitations of AI systems that cannot report harm or maintain the confidential, professional standards of human therapists.
Finally, we discuss the future: the promise and limits of therapeutic AI tools, the need for guardrails and regulation, and why human clinicians must play a central role in shaping how AI supports mental health without replacing essential human connection.
Join us as we examine the intersection of artificial intelligence, human connection, and mental health care in the digital age.
Support resources:If you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, the supports at the link below may be of assistance. If you are not in Ireland, please seek supports local to you.
Irish Health Service Executive mental health supportsThe Samaritans â Suicide prevention phone line.Childline (ISPCC): Free, confidential 24/7 support service for children and young people up to 18. Call 1800 66 66 66, text 50101, or chat online at childline.ie.SpunOut.ie: Youth information website with articles on mental health; offers free 24/7 text supportâText SPUNOUT to 50808.TeenLine: Active listening service for young people, call 1800 833 634 (24/7)Pieta House: For crisis mental health support and suicide prevention, Free 24/7 helpline: 1800 247 247.Key papers:
Ricon (2025) - AI and adolescent Relationships: Bridging emotional intelligence and practical guidance. Computers in Human Behavior.
Try the Eliza chatbot
Zhang et al., 2025 (pre-print). What Happens, What Helps, What Hurts: A Qualitative Analysis of User Experiences with Large Language Models for Mental Health Support.
Santos et al., 2025 (pre-print). Evaluating the Clinical Safety of LLMs in Response to High-Risk Mental Health Disclosures.
Special Report: AI-Induced Psychosis: A New Frontier in Mental Health
Journalism/Opinion:
ChatGPT Is Blowing Up Marriages as Spouses Use AI to Attack Their Partners
Wired: AI Psychosis Is Rarely Psychosis at All
Hannah Holmes. A Psychologist's Open-Minded First Take on AI Therapy
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From AI âboyfriendsâ to chatbots helping you flirt on dating apps, artificial intelligence is quietly stepping into the most human of spaces: emotional connection.
In this episode, we explore how AI is being used to replace or replicate intimacy, and what that says about us. We trace the story from Eliza, the 1960s chatbot that first made people feel understood by a machine, to todayâs AI companions that promise empathy, romance, and even love.
Along the way, we talk about the people forming deep bonds with their chatbots, examine what is driving these connections, and ask whether an algorithm can really love you back. There are real benefits like comfort, confidence, and even healing, but also darker sides like manipulation, dependency, and heartbreak when an AI âpartnerâ updates or disappears.
Finally, a lighter look at how AI is reshaping the dating world, from matchmaking bots to âchatfishingâ. Are we finding connection, or just automating it?
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This episode explores the realities of online safety for children and adolescents, addressing our common concerns, device use, and the shifting risks in todayâs digital landscape. We discuss the research, parental perspectives including cyberbullying, exploitation, social media dynamics, and how we can use legislation to support safer online behaviour.
Research
Sutton & Finkelhor (2023): Crimes against children and adolescents online
Shillair et al. (2015): Tailored interventions for online safety
Support Services
Webwise.ie
hotline.ie
childline.ie
ispcc.ie
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In this episode we deep dive into the relationship between social media and our perceptions of body image. We examine how social media platforms influence body image for people of different genders, ages, and communities and look at some social media trends which may be problematic.
ResearchDougherty & Krawczyk (2018): Gender differences in media exposure and trait appearance comparison.
Ryding & Kuss (2020): Meta-analysis of 40 studies showing passive, image-based social comparison.
Lonergan et al (2020): Social media posting and editing behaviours and eating disorder risk among adolescents
Support ServicesBodywhys: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland - bodywhys.ie
Jigsaw: The National Centre for Youth Mental Health - Jigsaw.ie
HSE: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/mental-health/eating-disorders/useful-links/
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This episode takes a look at how cybercriminals use psychology to manipulate people through online scams. From phishing emails and phone fraud to romance scams, sextortion, and the rise of AI-driven deepfakes, it unpacks why these scams work and why no one is completely immune. Real-world examples illustrate just how convincing scammers can be, and we discuss the emotions, cognitive biases, and principles of persuasion they exploit. The episode also explores practical ways to recognize these tactics and protect yourself, reminding us that victims are never to blameâawareness is the key defense.
Resources:
Romance scams
https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud/am-i-a-victim-of-a-romance-scam-.html
Sextortion
https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/sexual-crime/sextortion-advice-if-you-are-a-victim.html
Money muling
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/organised-serious-crime/garda-national-economic-crime-bureau/money-muling.html
Cyber Crime â advice on other crimes
https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/cyber-crime/
News stories:
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/ireland-red-c-win-phishing-scam-survey#:~:text=The%20Worldwide%20Independent%20Network%20of%20Market%20Research,higher%20than%20the%20global%20average%20of%2034pc.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/aug/04/experience-scammers-used-ai-to-fake-my-daughters-kidnap
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68705913
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/fell-into-a-trap-student-money-mule-to-speak-in-schools-after-smishing-scam-court-case-1806411.html
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In this episode we dive into ASMR! We discuss the ASMR, the similarities to other auditory and visual trends online. We focus on the content of videos that can induce ASMR, what makes them successful for ASMR-tists and the potential concerns that we might have from an online safety perspective. We review the research on our responses to ASMR triggers and our psychological responses behind why ASMR is the most watched content in 2025!
Resources and Episode Video Examples
ASMR RedditVintage Jewelry Counter ASMRASMR Role Play ExamplesResearch
Buechele et al., (2025) Hozaki et al., (2025)Poerio et al., (2018)Poerio et al., (2022)Jiang et al., (2024)Greer et al., (2025) -
This episode offers an in-depth exploration of cyberbullying, examining its prevalence, impact, and the evolving nature of online harassment in Ireland and beyond. We discuss the importance of definitions, platforms, and behaviours that have changed, with a focus on the link between increased screen time and rising incidents. The episode also discusses the lasting psychological, educational, and social consequences of cyberbullying, Irelandâs legislative response including Cocoâs Law, and essential strategies for prevention, resilience, and building positive school and online cultures.
Resources
Childline (ISPCC): Free, confidential 24/7 support service for children and young people up to 18. Call 1800 66 66 66, text 50101, or chat online at childline.ie.
TackleBullying.ie: National anti-bullying initiative providing resources and advice for parents, children, and teachers.
SpunOut.ie: Youth information website with articles on bullying and mental health; offers free 24/7 text supportâText SPUNOUT to 50808.
TeenLine: Active listening service for young people, call 1800 833 634 (24/7)
Pieta House: For crisis mental health support and suicide prevention, Free 24/7 helpline: 1800 247 247.
Research
Bullying and cyberbullying studies in the schoolâaged population on the island of Ireland: A metaâanalysis (Foody et al., 2017)National Survey of Student Experiences of Bullying in Higher Education (2023)ISPCC National Report On Cyberbullying -
This episode explores how extremist ideologies spread online and offline, who is most vulnerable to radicalization, and the pathways that lead people into â and sometimes out of â extremist communities. We discuss the role of social media, traditional media, and even bots in amplifying harmful narratives, as well as the psychological and social vulnerabilities that make individuals more susceptible. We break down the stages of radicalization, from initial uncertainty to community immersion and, in rare cases, violent action. We also considers the impact on families and communities, and what can be done to build resilience and support people away from extremist beliefs.
Content Warning:We discuss real-world examples of radicalisation and violence that may be disturbing or frustrating for some listeners.
Support resources:If you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, the supports at the link below may be of assistance. If you are not in Ireland, please seek supports local to you. Irish Health Service Executive mental health supports
The Samaritans
Pieta House - Suicide and Self-harm Resource
Other helpful resources
https://www.factchecking.ie/
European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)
https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/training-development/
Research
Global Witness - reports on bot acticvity and disinfomation online
Scrivens, R. & Conway, M. (2019). The roles of âoldâ and ânewâ media tools and technologies in the facilitation of violent extremism and terrorism
Borum, R. (2010). Understanding Terrorist Psychology
Schuurman, B. & Carthy, S. L. (2025). Citizens, Extremists, Terrorists: Comparing Radicalized Individuals with the General Population
Booth, E. et al. (2025). Conspiracy, misinformation, radicalisation: understanding the online pathway to indoctrination and opportunities for intervention
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In this episode, we explore the complex and often contradictory ways we present ourselves online. Are we the same person across Instagram, LinkedIn, and real life? Do we craft idealized versions of ourselvesâor does the digital world give some of us a chance to finally be who we truly are?
From psychological theories of the self to why selfies spark moral panic (and who they target), we dive into the motivations behind online self-presentation. We discuss how authenticity affects well-being, why platforms like BeReal are seen as more âgenuine,â and how your sense of identity may shape the way you present yourself on different apps.
We also touch on professional identity, performative posting, and whether âhumble braggingâ ever really works.
Ultimately, weâre asking: What does your online presence say about your offline selfâand what does it say about all of us?
Support resources:If you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, the supports at the link below may be of assistance. If you are not in Ireland, please seek supports local to you. Irish Health Service Executive mental health supports
Key Papers:
Can You See the Real Me? Activation and Expression of the âTrue Selfâ on the Internet
Self-concept clarity and online self-presentation in adolescents.
The Relationship Between Self-Concept and Online Self-Presentation in Adults
Authentic self-expression on social media is associated with greater subjective well-being
Charlit Floriano 3d animation research project: Understanding Virtual Bodies â A Case for the Use of Simple & Stylized Avatars in Social VR
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In todayâs episode, weâre unpacking misinformation from a psychological angle.Weâll talk about what counts as misinformation and disinformation, How âfake newsâ thrives online, and the Psychological biases that make us vulnerable. The consequences of misinformation on behaviors and society and whatâs being done to fight backâfrom legislation to digital literacy.
Content Warning:We discuss real-world examples of misinformation in health, politics, and social issues that may be disturbing or frustrating for some listeners.
Resources
https://www.factchecking.ie/
European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)
https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/training-development/
National Youth Council Report
Research
Kim et al (2023)
Kim et al (2019)
Rocha et al (2021)
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In this episode, we unpack the psychology and motivations behind catfishingâthe act of creating false identities online. We explore how online environments foster deception, how attachment styles and personality traits like psychopathy and narcissism play into catfishing behavior, and what impact this has on victims. Drawing from psychological theories, research studies, and real-world examples, this episode unpacks how anonymity, identity exploration, and emotional needs all intersect in the phenomenon of catfishing.
Whether for attention, control, amusement, or exploitation, the reasons people catfish, and the effects it has, are more complex than you might expect.
Content warning: sexual harassment/image based sexual abuse, manipulation and control, and psychological distress.
Support resources:If you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, the supports at the link below may be of assistance. If you are not in Ireland, please seek supports local to you. Irish Health Service Executive mental health supports
The Samaritans
Pieta House - Suicide and Self-harm Resource
Key Papers:
Anderson, A. P., Bryce, J., Ireland, C. A., & Ireland, J. L. (2019). A preliminary review of cyber-deception factors: Offerings from a systematic review. Salus Journal, 7(1), 88-107.
Suler (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. Cyberpsychology and Behaviour.
Mosley, M. A., Lancaster, M., Parker, M. L., & Campbell, K. (2020). Adult attachment and online dating deception: A theory modernized. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 35(2), 227-243.
Lauder, C., & March, E. (2023). Catching the catfish: Exploring gender and the Dark Tetrad of personality as predictors of catfishing perpetration. Computers in Human Behavior, 140, 107599.
Moor & Anderson (2019). A systematic literature review of the relationship between dark personality traits and antisocial online behaviours. Personality and Individual Differences.
News stories:
GAA Catfish podcast episodes 1 & 2https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ADTwa9ipI0plNJA0NgtiB
GAA Catfish podcast episode 3https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QLi4OZ43Vuopj87kOYoF5
Aoibhin's storyMy catfishing nightmare: âIâm waiting for someone to sit across from me and start a date I donât know Iâm supposed to be onâ
Adele Renniehttps://bbc.com/news/articles/c4grwglgnxvo
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We debunk age-related biases. Learn why caution is key, and how with support, older adults can thrive in the digital world, minimizing online risks and maximizing tech benefits.
Resources and Links
AARP Survey
Broady et al (2010) - Comparison of older and younger adultsâ attitudes towards and abilities with computers: Implications for training and learning
Baldassar et al (2017) - Aging in place in a mobile world: New media and older peopleâs support networks
Busch et al (2021) - Smartphone use amongst older adults
Chatterman et al (2019) - Should AI-Based, conversational digital assistants employ social- or task-oriented interaction style? A task-competency and reciprocity perspective for older adults
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In this episode, we discuss how persuasion manifests online. We focus on how persuasion is used on social media by influencers and how we process and understand persuasive messages. We also discuss how persuasion is used in misinformation and some strategies to counter false or misleading information!
Misinformation Resources
https://spunout.ie/life/privacy-security/fake-news/
HTML Heroes - https://heroes.webwise.ie/html-heroes/
Research Resources
Principles of Persuasion - https://www.influenceatwork.com/7-principles-of-persuasion/
Source Credibility and Persuasive Arguements - https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jebde-10-2022-0038/full/html
Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260108602142
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In this episode, we dig into why people troll, harass and gossip online and what makes it so commonâfrom anonymity and online disinhibition to personality traits, from group dynamics to platform culture. We explore who trolls are, what motivates them, and how even ordinary people can get caught up in it. With real-life examples and research, we also look at how to tackle trolling and make the internet a kinder place.
Content warning: sexual harassment, suicide, and psychological distress.
Support resourcesIf you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, the supports at the link below may be of assistance. If you are not in Ireland, please seek supports local to you. Irish Health Service Executive mental health supports
The Samaritans
Pieta House - Suicide and Self-harm Resource
Key Papers
Suler (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. Cyberpsychology and Behaviour.
Rost, et al. (2016). Digital Social Norm Enforcement: Online Firestorms in Social Media. PLOS One.
Synnott, et al. (2017). Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann. Computers in Human Behavior.
Ng, et al. (2023). Does Instagram make you speak ill of others or improve yourself? A daily diary study on the moderating role of malicious and benign envy. Computers in Human Behavior.
Buckles, et al. (2014). Trolls just want to have fun. Personality and Individual Differences.
Moor & Anderson (2019). A systematic literature review of the relationship between dark personality traits and antisocial online behaviours. Personality and Individual Differences.
Dineva, et al. (2021). A review of organisational strategies to deal with trolls and their effectiveness. Internet Research.
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