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
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
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)
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1:01:26
Behind The Screens: Deconstructing Cyberbullying
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, Ireland’s legislative response including Coco’s 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 support—Text 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 school‐aged population on the island of Ireland: A meta‐analysis (Foody et al., 2017)
National Survey of Student Experiences of Bullying in Higher Education (2023)
ISPCC National Report On Cyberbullying
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Algorithms, echo chambers, and the road to extremism
This episode explores how extremist ideologies spread online and offline, who is most vulnerable to radicalization, and the pathways that lead people into — and sometimes out of — 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 ‘old’ and ‘new’ 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
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