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The Re(e)ality Check

The Re(e)ality Check

Written by: Adela Cerna and Roberta Cojocaru
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WHAT is trending on social media and WHY?

Join Adela and Roberta as they dive into what is trending on social media - and why everyone is talking about it. The two London-based journalists take you on a journey through your feeds and unpack the science behind it. With insights from researchers, experts, and influencers, each episode explores a current trend - helping you understand what it reveals about our society. So, take a break from doomscolling and listen to our episodes to become a well-informed social media user.

Adela Cerna and Roberta Cojocaru Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 01 Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? – with Dr Kate Gilchrist

    01 Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? – with Dr Kate Gilchrist
    Mar 4 2026

    This week on Re(e)ality Check, we are diving into Chanté Joseph’s recent British Vogue article that had everyone texting their group chats: Is having a boyfriend embarrassing now? With corners of the internet leaning into their ‘single era,’ celebrating independence, and treating their personal privacy like the ultimate glow-up, we needed to explore why being coupled has become so complicated.

    We chat with Dr Kate Gilchrist, a feminist researcher, who had a very different take on the article. She shares her expertise, unpacking the cultural forces at play. She helps us understand how one article can attract so much attention in internet culture.

    Plus, we speak to the very influencers who are part of the trend to get a fresh perspective on why they chose to react to the article.

    Like and subscribe, so you don’t miss when a new episode of Re(e)ality Check drops. If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave a review.

    If you want to get in touch about anything, email us at thereealitycheck@outlook.com

    Here you can see how the influencers from this episode reacted to the trend: Jasmine’s Reel, Alexandra’s Reel, Ari’s Reel
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    14 mins
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