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.

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

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

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

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