"When we post on social networks we are presenting a version of ourselves, we need to show an image. The problem arises when we believe our posts more than our real life, or when others compare themselves with others based on what they publish". This was stated at the University of Navarra by Johanna Fawkes, a researcher in Public Relations at the University of Huddersfield (UK).

The expert made these statements at the framework of the international congress 'Truth: fulfilled and defrauded expectations', organized by the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) of the University of Navarra with funding from the Ministry of Economics and Competitiveness and Zurich Seguros.

Social networks and public relations

From agreement with Fawkes, social media "has changed nothing and changed everything in public relations." This is because years ago, he explained, the profession was based on connecting with journalists, clients, and more people. "Networks have always been important," he argued, "but now they are virtual and you don't knoweveryone you reach.

On the other hand, he commented that a second change is the acceleration of processes, as communication channels become more agile. "Using traditional strategies, with traditional media for traditional audiences, is doomed to failure because the world is now complex and needs a new fluidity," he said.

As for the future, the researcher points out that it will be "disorderly, unpredictable and confusing"; that is why she proposes as a solution the Education: "It is important to teach students in universities to develop critical thinking". She considered that in this way students will not believe everything they are told, without becoming cynical.

Johanna Fawkes made these statements on the framework of the congress 'Truth: expectations fulfilled and dashed', co-organized by the 'Emotional culture and identity' y 'Public discourse' projects of the ICS. Other speakers included Franca D'Agostini, from the State University of Milan (Italy), and Jorge Bustos, opinion editor of El Mundo.