Episode 9: Algorithms, AI and Online Harm (Part 2)

We know that social media has played a large part in radicalisation over the years. Continual development of platforms, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the effect of the attention economy may be increasing the risk of online harm poses to our communities.

In these episodes, our Research and Development team talk about online spaces to consider the impact on vulnerable populations, the process of implementing safeguards and restrictions; and how legislation must be shaped to help keep communities safe in the digital age.

This is the second part of a two-part episode.

Find out more about the work of the RMA: www.rma.scot

References & Useful Links

Ashurst, L., & McAlinden, A. M. (2015). Young people, peer-to-peer grooming and sexual offending: Understanding and responding to harmful sexual behaviour within a social media society. Probation Journal, 62(4), 374-388. https://doi.org/10.1177/0264550515619572

Fisico, R., & Harkins, L. (2021). Technology and sexual offending. Current psychiatry reports, 23(9), 59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01269-1

Kenyon, J., Binder, J., & Baker‑Beall, C. (2022, December 8). The Internet and radicalisation pathways: Technological advances, relevance of mental health and role of attackers. His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/internet-and-radicalisation-pathways-technological-advances-relevance-of-mental-health-and-role-of-attackers

Ofcom (2025). Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/media-habits-children/children-and-parents-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2025

Slavtcheva-Petkova, V., Nash, V. J., & Bulger, M. (2015). Evidence on the extent of harms experienced by children as a result of online risks: implications for policy and research. Information, Communication & Society, 18(1), 48-62. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2014.934387