John McAlaney
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johnmcalaney.bsky.social
John McAlaney
@johnmcalaney.bsky.social
Professor of Psychology
At the GamnleAware conference in London. Looking forward to some interesting discussions on the future of gambling treatment and research for my @gamresearchbu.bsky.social and @gordonmoodyorg.bsky.social roles.
December 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Seen something on here that enrages you? In my The Conversation article I talk about the psychology of rage bait and how to empower yourself to avoid being upset by it - theconversation.com/rage-bait-th...
Rage bait: the psychology behind social media’s angriest posts
How not to get drawn in by rage bait.
theconversation.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Is hacking becoming mainstream? An interesting discussion on the Sky News website that I was pleased to be able to contribute to.
news.sky.com/story/childr...
Children as young as seven caught hacking - as former cybercriminals warn 'it's mainstream now'
The Money team reveals children as young as seven are being referred to Britain's national cybercrime intervention programme. Former hackers jailed for stealing millions warn parents it's easier than ...
news.sky.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Reposted by John McAlaney
An article on gambling harms in LGBTQIA+ populations by several Gambling Research Group members and led by Dr Reece Bush-Evans is now available at www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
‘Sometimes it’s easier to seek support in the wrong places’: LGBTQIA+ individuals’ experiences of gambling harms
Sexual and gender minority individuals face disproportionate mental health challenges, yet little is known about their experiences of gambling-related harm. This qualitative study explored the live...
www.tandfonline.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Another nice day in Bournemouth.
November 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Reposted by John McAlaney
Our @bournemouthuni.bsky.social Gambling Research Group will be hosting an event entitled Addressing Gambling Harms in LGBTQIA+ Communities at the Highcliffe Marriot on the 24th of Nov. Everyone is welcome to attend - attendance is free but please register to attend using the link below.
LGBTQIA+ Experiences of Gambling-Related Harms
Exploring LGBTQIA+ gambling harm: research, lived experience voices, global insights & a collaborative think-tank for inclusive solutions.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Back at the BIC for The Rest Is Politics live show, and very happy to hear a shout out from Rory Stewart of @bournemouthuni.bsky.social being an 'incredible' university.
November 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Goldeneye is on TV. I find it quite difficult to watch that movie without holding a N64 controller.
November 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM
A great today applauding our @bournemouthuni.bsky.social students as they walked across the stage at graduation.
November 5, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Reposted by John McAlaney
Today we are at the Dolphin Centre in Poole for our event 'Fast Cash, Hidden Costs', where we are presenting our work on the risks associated with matched betting. We are very pleased to be joined by our colleagues from ARA Recovery for All. Stop by and say hello if you are passing.
November 2, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Reposted by John McAlaney
Our matched betting event takes place this Sunday.
Matched betting: quick money or hidden trap?
🗓️ 2 Nov | 11am–5pm
📍 Gather, Ground Floor, The Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset BH15 1SZ
🎯 Interactive activities, lived experience stories & take-home toolkit.
Free drop-in event as part of #ESRCFestival #MatchedBettingDilemma #SaferGambling @ukri.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I spoke to BBC Radio Solent this morning about the impact of the clocks going back on Sunday, and how these shared experiences can help us all relate to each other in what can feel like a complicated world. Unfortunately I know that my cat will wake me up early on Sunday anyway.
October 24, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Reposted by John McAlaney
Members of the Gambling Research Group attended the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research Colloquium yesterday, where we shared our own and listened to a range of interesting and insightful talks. Our thanks also to people in attendance who shared their own lived experiences.
October 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Thunder and lightening in Bournemouth this morning but the sun is out now (nearly), so time for lunch on the beach.
September 7, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Having wanted one for years, I finally have a KITT. The only AI I feel that I can completely trust.
September 6, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Up in my home town of Glasgow to give a talk on decision making and motivations in cybercriminals at the Cybercrime Summer School at the University of Strathclyde. A nice view from Livingstone Tower, and great to meet the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners and researchers.
August 27, 2025 at 12:25 PM
'm quoted in a Times Higher Education article today on the new system for gambling harms research funding. We need more people doing work in this area, even if it makes it more competitive for established researchers to secure funding.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/gamblin...
Gambling research ‘at risk of going backwards’ despite new levy
UKRI handed more cash for betting-related research but campaigners claim ‘industry-friendly’ funding call stops ‘fresh start’ from old regime
www.timeshighereducation.com
August 19, 2025 at 10:04 AM
I'm sure that, as a hopefully respected scientist, I'll one day be able to type the word 'phenomena' without thinking of this, but it turns out that it won't be today.
August 13, 2025 at 12:16 PM
First day of annual leave, so naturally, I had to have lunch on the beach.
August 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Enjoying the #bournefree Pride event, despite the risk of bursting into flames from the heat.
July 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The guy in the cafe just commented to me how lucky I was to arrive shortly before they close for the afternoon on a Friday, when they give out free brownies with coffee to avoid them going to waste.

This was not luck.
July 4, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Heading back to Bournemouth from Manchester, where I took part in a panel discussion on what works in cybersecurity for the Digital Futures event. Manchester is one of my favourite cities, so always great to visit. Plus I got a lovely token of thanks from the organisers.
July 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by John McAlaney
What constitutes #transparency for #safergambling? Our latest review paper unpacks the concept and its implications. cdspress.ca/wp-content/u...
cdspress.ca
June 26, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Breakfast in sunny Manchester prior to a day of talking about research into extended, augmented and virtual reality. I'll be honest, I m going to be disappointed if at least one person doesn't look up at the ceiling at some point and say 'Computer, end simulation', just in case it works.
June 20, 2025 at 7:28 AM