Social media is portrayed as a place where people can speak their ‘truth’ – but too much sharing makes me uncomfortable

I understand why Chrissy Teigen and John Legend decided to share their pain at a recent miscarriage, as it can help others. But that doesn’t mean I would, says Janet Street-Porter

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (2020 Invision)

Social media is accused of being awash with myths, fake news and postings, which (on the face of it) might seem like good advice but turn out to be paid endorsements. From Gwyneth Paltrow’s body butter to weight-loss products, it can be hard to know what to believe.

Choosing the best place to study is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, so where do you turn for advice? With the coronavirus pandemic drastically depleting the number of foreign students entering the UK, an increasing number of universities are using social media in an effort to recoup the lost revenue.  

This week, it emerged that dozens of "influencers" have been plugging courses for places they’d never attended. Mari Alonso blithely told her 82,000 Instagram followers she had graduated as an engineer, and went on to promote Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge as a “way to change your life” – even though she obtained her qualifications in Brazil.