InBits

Is fandom good for your mental health—or 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: K‑pop, 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 well‑being among BTS fans. - Laffan et al. (2023)

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 Ireland Information about what to do if you're being stalked in Ireland https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/law-enforcement/civil-restraining-orders/ https://www.stalkinginireland.ie/support https://hotline.ie/irish-support-services/ https://www.womensaid.ie/get-help/talk-to-us/     Resources in the UK https://www.suzylamplugh.org/ National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 https://alicerugglestrust.org/   Research Weekes, C, et al.. (2025). Cyberstalking Perpetrators and Their Methods: A Systematic Literature Review   Branković 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 Nicola’s) 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 it—cute, 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 Cheezburger https://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 Youtube https://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 Responses https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/5/3/146 Stavropoulos & Alba. (2018). “It’s so Cute I Could Crush It!”: Understanding Neural Mechanisms of Cute Aggression https://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 Watching https://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 Students’ Mood, Attention, and Understanding of Pharmacology Lectures https://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      

Christmas has gone digital—we 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 Christmas—just 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

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 go—we're not jinxing it!

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 supports The Samaritans – 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 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. 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

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?

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

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/   

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

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)     

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

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 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 ourselves—or 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 “genuine,” 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 “humble bragging” ever really works. Ultimately, we’re asking: What does your online presence say about your offline self—and 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 “True Self” 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 – A Case for the Use of Simple & Stylized Avatars in Social VR

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)

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    

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

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       

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. 

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