PENRHYNCOCH model and social media ‘influencer’ Jess Davies is to front a new documentary exploring how to lead a healthy life online.

With more services moving online, our reliance on technology is increasing.

But what is it like to share almost everything with the world via the web? This is what 28-year-old influencer Jess Davies discusses in a new documentary. DRYCH: Bywyd Jess Arlein airs on Sunday evening (6 February) at 9pm on S4C.

Jess said: “I’m an influencer - I post photos and share what I do, dress, eat and think with over 150,000 followers. Sometimes companies pay me to post and sometimes I just post to start an important conversation.

“I’ve lived the last decade on social media - my whole adult life, and to be honest I love it. Thanks to Instagram I’ve travelled the world as a model, met amazing people and launched my career as a presenter. I’m addicted.”

Originally from Penrhyncoch, Jess explores the use of social media across Wales. As part of her quest to support and educate, Jess returns to her former primary school, to run a workshop on using social media safely with the next generation of pupils. Jess also meets with social media expert Owen Williams to see what techniques the big companies are using to try and “enslave us”.

For the first time ever, Jess discusses her complex relationship with food and looks back on a difficult time in her life when she suffered from an eating disorder. At the time, she felt under pressure to conform to expectations on social media to look ‘perfect’. To help others to live a healthy life online, she talks to people who have experienced both the bitter and the sweet, as well as look at her role and responsibilities as an influencer. “I’ve struggled with body image, trolling and mental health. Now I’m an influencer, I worry - am I part of the problem?”. According to Jess, her posts passionately discussing feminism get 100 likes, whereas posts of her in a bikini are liked thousands of times. So, do we as individuals and society also have a role in ensuring the wellbeing of consumers as well as the people who create content? The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland, notes that three in ten children aged five to seven use social media, and at least half of them are online. Most of them are making friends, learning and having fun but she also notes that 50% of 12 to 15 year olds have experienced bullying, racism, sexism or harassment online. As someone who loves social media, Jess is keen to share the benefits for consumers of all ages, especially the ability to raise awareness, create communities and be, well, social. Amber Davies, an influencer with a hidden disability, says that platforms like Instagram are vital for people to find representation. Rugby player Ashton Hewitt, who is now helping others after being the victim of online racist abuse, agrees.

“The web can be an amazing place to find your tribe or community,” said Jess. “But, it’s time for me to re-think my life online. I want to make a difference, I want to be part of the solution, and stop posting content that can be dangerous. And I think many more influencers should do that too.”