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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52:32
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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59:04
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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Trolled part 1: When the internet turns on you
We take a deeper look at online harassment, particularly the rise and impact of trolling. Building on our online dating episode, we explore who is most affected, how it manifests, and the psychological toll it can take. Focusing on deliberate, harmful online behaviour meant to antagonise or disrupt, we unpack the different forms of trolling and why it’s become so widespread.
This is part one of a two-part topic (because Nicola likes to talk – and this is a big topic to cover!). The second episode will get into the causes of trolling – who are the trolls and why do they do what they do?
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
PEW Research: The State of Online Harassment
DCU: Understanding Adult Experiences of Online Hate in Ireland – An Exploratory Survey
The Impact of Online Abuse: Hearing the Victims’ Voice report – UK
Aktar & Marrison (2019) The prevalence and impact of online trolling of UK members of parliament
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Online Social Support
What does social support mean to you? What are your social support networks online and offline? Do you share content for support or do you see people 'over share' content? How do you react?
This week’s episode focuses on the different ways and reasons why we seek support online and examines some of these questions across different age groups and online communities.
Online peer support for people with dementia
Social media affordances of LGBTQIA+ expression and community formation
The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) and Loneliness
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
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