From AI “boyfriends” 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 today’s 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 “partner” updates or disappears.
Finally, a lighter look at how AI is reshaping the dating world, from matchmaking bots to “chatfishing”. Are we finding connection, or just automating it?
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1:11:32
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1:11:32
Beyond Stranger Danger: Rethinking Online Risks for Kids
This episode explores the realities of online safety for children and adolescents, addressing our common concerns, device use, and the shifting risks in today’s 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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52:17
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52:17
Scrolling for Perfection: How Social Media Shapes Body Image
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.
Research
Dougherty & 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 Services
Bodywhys: 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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59:37
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59:37
Mind games: how scammers hijack your brain
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 blame—awareness 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 – 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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1:07:07
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1:07:07
Mind Tingling: The Psychology Behind ASMR
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 Reddit
Vintage Jewelry Counter ASMR
ASMR Role Play Examples
Research
Buechele et al., (2025)
Hozaki et al., (2025)
Poerio et al., (2018)
Poerio et al., (2022)
Jiang et al., (2024)
Greer et al., (2025)
In bits: Deconstructing our digital lives
Dr Liam Challenor and Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton explore areas of cyberpsychology that you’re curious about, with a different topic every two weeks. From social media “addiction” to attention span changes, from trolling and harassment to online activism, from gaming to online dating, from misogyny to radicalisation online.
Our lives are fully immersed in technology, and people have concerns about how it might be affecting us all. There is a lot of poor media reporting and scaremongering in the field of cyberpsychology, but far less evidence-based content to offer an alternative. This podcast is informative and educational, directly addressing peoples’ concerns, worries and hopes, while also being entertaining and enjoyable to listen to. We breakdown challenging and sometimes difficult topics “in bits” to make them approachable, fun and easy to understand.
Ireland