Your occasional reminder that everything you see on the internet is true. Except when it isn’t. It’s all there is you want it. ‘Win a free holiday, a free camper van, a free week at Center Parcs, a free lunch.’
Sometimes, it’s malicious, as in ‘like farming’ where you can encourage Facebook friends, but hopefully not real friends, to be put at risk by actual scammers, as in ‘Win a free holiday, a free camper van, a free week at Center Parcs, a free lunch.’ Other times, people post things – yes, on Facebook (other social media outlets are available, like the ones used by young people, who wouldn’t touch Facebook with a barge pole) – that simply aren’t true. And then they are shared by people who assume because it’s on the internet, and because it’s warming and uplifting, it’s true. One such example is a video which appears to show Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy performing a duet of Endless Love with his wife Olena Zelenska. But it doesn’t. A cursory examination via our old friend Mr Google reveals the performers to be an obscure covers band called Boyce Avenue featuring Connie Talbot.
The video is all over the place on social media and at first glance there is a bit of a feel good factor to it. President Zelenskyy is loved and admired across the free world. Who would not want this video to be real? I certainly did but I quickly smelled a rat when I realised that the singer wasn’t the president, although it’s possible to see a resemblance if you want to find one. However, Olena looks nothing like Ms Talbot. This didn’t deter a good number of Facebook users from gushing over the video. Here are some examples:
- Absolutely beautiful
So good and so professional. The world could do with more leaders of his calibre. Bravo 
- So beautiful may God bless you both. You are an inspiration to your country and the world. Through all that you are going through LOVE will prevail. Sending love from Scotland.
- What a wonderful man, if all men had a grain of his bravery, integrity & caring determination, what a wonderful world we would have. Pray he stays safe.
- Made me cry pray to god’s they stay safe
- From singing a pop song to leading a country through war, what a couple!
As with life in general, truth matters. We have a world run by liars, from Donald Trump (thankfully the ex President but for how long?), Vladimir Putin and, closer to home, the biggest liar in British political history Boris Johnson, which is why need to speak truth, even when we see something apparently as heartwarming as an heroic leader and his wife singing about their ‘endless love’.
In any event, enjoy the Boyce Avenue and Connie Talbot version of this old Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross tune for what it is. And keep supporting the people of Ukraine in whatever way you can. Their plight is slightly more important than someone posting a fake video on social media.
