InBits cover art

InBits

InBits

By: Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton Dr Liam Challenor
Listen for free

About this listen

 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.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Digital soulmate: Love in the Age of AI

    Digital soulmate: Love in the Age of AI
    Nov 11 2025

    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?
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Beyond Stranger Danger: Rethinking Online Risks for Kids

    Beyond Stranger Danger: Rethinking Online Risks for Kids
    Oct 28 2025

    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
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Scrolling for Perfection: How Social Media Shapes Body Image

    Scrolling for Perfection: How Social Media Shapes Body Image
    Oct 14 2025

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.