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

1. Bullying and cyberbullying studies in the school‐aged population on the island of Ireland: A meta‐analysis (Foody et al., 2017)
2. National Survey of Student Experiences of Bullying in Higher Education (2023)
3. ISPCC National Report On Cyberbullying