InBits

• Trust Issues: Misinformation in the Digital Age

  In today’s episode, we’re unpacking misinformation from a psychological angle. We’ll talk about what counts as misinformation and disinformation, How “fake news” thrives online, and the Psychological biases that make us vulnerable. The consequences of misinformation on behaviors and society and what’s being done to fight back—from 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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• Catfishing: Love and lies online

  In this episode, we unpack the psychology and motivations behind catfishing—the 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 & 2 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ADTwa9ipI0plNJA0NgtiB GAA Catfish podcast episode 3 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QLi4OZ43Vuopj87kOYoF5   Aoibhin's story My catfishing nightmare: ‘I’m waiting for someone to sit across from me and start a date I don’t know I’m supposed to be on’   Adele Rennie https://bbc.com/news/articles/c4grwglgnxvo    

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• Older Adults & Tech: Debunking bias & thriving online

  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 adults’ 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 people’s 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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• Persuasion

  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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• Trolled part 2: Unmasking the Trolls

  In this episode, we dig into why people troll, harass and gossip online and what makes it so common—from 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 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 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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