Irish Cyberpsychology Research Expands Into AI and Social Media Influence

Ireland’s cyberpsychology community is positioning itself at the forefront of European research into artificial intelligence’s psychological impact, with the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) expanding its MSc Cyberpsychology programme and major journal publications signalling a strategic pivot toward understanding ChatGPT, social media influencers, and algorithmic effects on behaviour.

Key Developments

The Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace published Volume 20 in early 2026, featuring research directly addressing adolescents’ and young people’s engagement with AI systems and social network habits. The inaugural issue combines traditional cyberpsychology concerns—prosocial and antisocial online behaviours—with emerging focus areas: qualitative investigation of ChatGPT’s psychological effects and the mental health implications of social media influencers.

Simultaneously, IADT has announced applications for its 2026 cohort of the MSc Cyberpsychology degree, marketing the programme as essential training for understanding human-technology interaction during an era dominated by generative AI and algorithmic personalisation.

This research agenda aligns with the upcoming 6th British Psychological Society (BPS) Cyberpsychology Conference (University of York, 6-7 July 2026), where keynote speakers Prof. Paul Cairns and Prof. Amy Orben will guide researchers and industry experts through current technological landscape challenges.

Why This Matters for Ireland and Europe

Irish scholarship has already begun addressing urgent cyberpsychology concerns: recent research examined psychological harms of cyber-located sexual violence in the Irish context, and emerging studies assess cyberbullying’s threat to young people’s mental health, including gaps in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) staff training.

The shift toward AI-focused research reflects a critical gap: while generative AI systems proliferate in education, social spaces, and professional environments, psychological understanding of their behavioural and mental health effects lags significantly. Irish researchers are positioned uniquely to contribute European-contextualised evidence at a moment when EU AI Act implementation pressures mount.

Practical Implications

For educators and policymakers: Evidence on ChatGPT’s psychological effects will inform digital literacy curricula and AI governance frameworks, particularly relevant as Irish schools and CAMHS services navigate AI integration.

For researchers: IADT’s expanded programme signals growing career demand in cyberpsychology, particularly for those specialising in AI-generated content effects and influencer psychology.

For technology builders: Academic focus on algorithmic influence and AI behaviour patterns provides evidence base for designing psychologically-informed systems compliant with emerging EU transparency and safety standards.

Open Questions

Key research gaps remain: How do long-term exposure to ChatGPT interactions shape adolescent decision-making and social comparison patterns? What psychological vulnerabilities do algorithmic personalisation and influencer content exploit? How should CAMHS services adapt training to address AI-mediated mental health harms?

As Irish and European cyberpsychology research deepens its engagement with AI systems, the field’s evolution will likely inform both regulatory frameworks and practitioner guidance across the EU.

Source: Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace & IADT