This time, we uncover the potential psychological impact of Grief Bots. We explore the intersection of grief, childhood development, and AI. I’m joined by Dr Melissa Lunardini, an international expert in child bereavement, and Tara Steele, Director at Safe AI for Children Alliance. From emotional vulnerability to ethical design, they unpack how children process loss, the myth of innate resilience, and why tech solutions must include young voices.

We speak with Dr Jason R.C. Nurse about the vital role psychology plays in cybersecurity. Why people ignore best practices, how attackers exploit human biases, and why many awareness campaigns fail to change behaviour? Jason shares insights into cultural differences, the importance of reducing friction, and how organisations can design human-centred security systems.

We 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.

We speak with AI and cybersecurity strategist Tom Vazdar and explore the psychology behind cyber threats, from romance scams to deepfakes, and the alarming rise of AI-powered manipulation. In an age of surveillance and misinformation, Tom shares his insights into digital scepticism, behavioural vulnerabilities, and the need for psychological resilience. We discover how companies can build stronger human-centric defences and why cybersecurity must be seen as a public health issue.

In this episode of Confessions of a Cyber Psychologist, Carolyn Freeman speaks with Dr Seemal Asif, head of the Intelligent Flexible Robotics Assembly group at Cranfield University. From emotional sensing robots to the future of humanoid machines, we dive into the real-world implications of intelligent robotics in industry and society. We explore the fascinating world of human–robot collaboration, ethical AI, and the growing challenge of robotic deepfakes. Dr Asif shares her journey from software engineering to leading cutting-edge robotics research, emphasising the importance of responsible AI development, diversity in STEM, and industry collaboration.

In this episode of Confessions of a Cyber Psychologist, Carolyn Freeman speaks with Mel Celich, applied psychologist and advisor to Harvard’s AI for Human Flourishing Council. Together, they explore the human-AI relationship, digital agency, the crisis of meaning in a hyperconnected world, and how technology is reshaping identity, empathy, and community. Mel discusses the psychological impacts of synthetic relationships with AI, the future of work, and why every tech firm needs a psychologist. It’s a deep, insightful conversation on reclaiming our humanity in a digital age; thought-provoking, hopeful, and a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s tech-saturated world.

In this episode of Confessions of a Cyber Psychologist, Carolyn Freeman speaks with Dr Genevieve Bartuski, a leading forensic psychologist and AI ethics consultant. We explore the intersection of online harms, forensic psychology, and data privacy, highlighting the psychological risks of AI therapy bots, digital manipulation, and child safety online. Genevie shares her journey from death row to data governance and how her expertise helps tech companies build ethically responsible AI systems. A powerful conversation about the urgent need for psychologists in tech to safeguard mental health, human values, and digital integrity in our increasingly AI-driven world.

In this episode we delve into the intersection of eye-tracking and technology’s impact on family life, digital literacy, and ethical issues. Adam shares insights from his research on children's digital engagement, prosthetic technology, and the cognitive impact of texting versus face-to-face interactions. We explore nuanced perspectives on screen time, digital literacy, and ethical challenges arising from emerging technologies. We reflect on how we shape - and are shaped by - the digital world around us.

Join us as Professor Deb Donig, an English Literature scholar and tech ethicist, discusses her journey from Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to academia. Deb explores the importance of uniting humanities and STEM, why ethical oversight matters in fast-paced tech environments, and how her work - plus her Technically Human podcast - aims to reshape our digital world. If you’re curious about the human side of innovation, this is a must-listen.

Delve into the psychological shadows lurking behind online dating and how toxic personality traits - like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy - and how they manifest in digital spaces. Learn how cyber dating abuse happens, how to spot red flags, and what to do if you're affected. Maria, Rebecca and Anthonique offer vital insights for navigating love in the digital age safely.