Shows
InBitsTrust Issues: Misinformation in the Digital AgeIn 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...2025-07-2255 minInBitsCatfishing: Love and lies onlineIn 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.
Co...2025-07-081h 08InBitsOlder Adults & Tech: Debunking bias & thriving onlineWe 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-Ba...2025-06-2452 minInBitsPersuasionIn 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/in...2025-06-1059 min
Confessions of a CyberPsychologistIn Bits Podcast: Deconstructing our Digital Lives - Guests Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton and Dr Liam ChallenorWe chat with Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton and Dr Liam Challenor about their new podcast In Bits, which explores the complexities of our digital lives. They share the motivations behind launching the show, the rigorous research involved and how they aim to make cyberpsychology accessible and engaging. The conversation touches on online dating, trolling, tech addiction, and the myths surrounding digital behaviour.2025-06-0444 minInBitsTrolled part 2: Unmasking the TrollsIn 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 epi...2025-05-2753 minInBitsTrolled part 1: When the internet turns on youWe 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...2025-05-1353 minInBitsOnline Social SupportWhat 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
Supp...2025-04-2953 minInBitsOnline Dating - Part 2This is Nicola's area of research so it turned into a two-part episode! This time we'll get into the darker side of online dating - abuse and harassment of different groups of people, why men send graphic unsolicited images.
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 studies:
PEW Inte...2025-04-1540 minInBitsOnline Dating - Part 1Is online dating on the decline? In this episode we take a look at who is dating online, why, and what they're getting out of it (and a little bit on what they would rather not be getting out of it!).
This is Nicola's area of research so it turned into a two-part episode! Next time we'll get into the darker side of online dating - but this episode we're looking at some of the positives!
Support resources
If you have been affected by the content of this episode in any way, th...2025-04-081h 00InBitsTechnology AddictionAre we addicted to our devices? In this episode we focus on addiction, when it is and isn't the right term to use. We look at our screen use, gaming and when or how we use our phones to identify problematic behaviour.
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
HSE...2025-04-0153 minInBitsMoral Panics and TechnologyIn this episode we focus on moral panics about technology use and how this is driven by media reporting and societal discourse. We break down the actual research behind some of these panics, and look at what we do know about how tech is impacting 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
2025-03-2549 minInBitsIn Bits TrailerIn Bits - The podcast that deconstructs our digital lives. Listen to Episode 1 - Moral Panic and Technology on Tuesday 25th March.
2025-03-2103 min
Flawless - A Music PodcastPuscifer - Conditions of My Parole w/ Kylie ChallenorWith a new Tool album out, there's no better time to talk Puscifer. Special guest Kylie Challenor nominates the band's 2nd album - will Liam and George be on board?
All music samples used in this episode are copyright Puscifer Entertainment.
Flawless is hosted by Liam McGinniss, George Mannion and Grant Parkin, and produced by Liam McGinniss.
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flawlessamp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flawlessamp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flawlessamp/
You can also back us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/flawlessamp
2019-09-1745 min
Flawless - A Music PodcastThe Go-Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike w/ Kylie ChallenorWhat do you get when you mix double Dutch chants, Bollywood soundtracks, old school hip hop and electro? The Go! Team's debut album, that's what.
Special guest Kylie Challenor joins us to discuss her love of an album that is just pure fun.
All music samples used in this episode are copyright Memphis Industries.
Flawless is hosted by Liam McGinniss, George Mannion and Grant Parkin, and produced by Liam McGinniss.
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flawlessamp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flawlessamp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flawlessamp/
...2019-08-2044 min