As with anything, there are positive and negatives to social media.
On one hand, it’s a great way to connect with not just friends and family, but people from all over the world. You’re introduced to so many new things, and it can push your creativity even further.
On the other, it’s a distorted depiction of reality. Not everyone is who they portray themselves to be on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. We often feel the pressure to be perfect. Even celebrities get caught up in all of it.
After dealing with the dark side of social media for far too long, these celebs took matters into their own hands by taking a break from it all. If they can do it, so can the rest of us.
Just before the holidays, Shawn announced he’d be taking a break from social media to spend some quality time with his family and friends. While he still posted on Twitter and Instagram, it was a lot less frequent than usual. But he really did give his loved ones the best gift of all, the present of being present. Try that on for size over the holidays next year.
Taking a bit of a break from social media the next few weeks to be with friends and family. I adore you guys with all my heart! Happy holidays x
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) December 17, 2018
Though she’s arguably one of the most famous people on the planet, even Selena needs some time away from the spotlight. In September of this year, she noted the need for a detox from some of her apps, due to the negative comments she received. Constant criticism can be tough on anyone—even celebs—so always remember to be kind to one another.
Justin’s had his ups and downs with social media for years now. Back in 2016, it got so bad that he almost made his account private to stop trolls from harassing him online. Most of the hate was caused by his then-relationship with Sofia Richie. Now, Justin seems to be a lot happier and is able to brush off the negativity like it’s no biggie. He’s even a married man, which is still weird to say, but also brings us to our next celeb.
Hailey is living the life as Mrs. Bieber, but even she encourages others to take much-needed breaks away from social media. For her, Instagram especially has been a way for trolls to tear her down for anything and everything. Though she may be as happy as ever, it’s not easy to maintain that positivity when people who don’t even know you are examining your every move under a microscope.
Singer, Justin Bieber’s wife, model Hailey Baldwin is contemplating on taking a break from Instagram as she reveals the social media site gives her anxiety and makes her sad.
#AdForumCo pic.twitter.com/b0J2sgYbXT— AdForumCo (@AdForumCo) December 9, 2018
Similar to Hailey, Dove revealed on Twitter recently that social media only worsens her anxiety. In order to be the best version of herself possible, she announced a short hiatus from the apps. We feel you, Dove!
my anxiety is at an all time high & i haven’t been the best version of myself the last few days. i think i’m going to try to take a social media break. just a few days. to see if it helps. i love you all so much! truly, from the purest part of my heart. thank you for everything
— Dove Cameron (@DoveCameron) December 28, 2018
Right before holiday season was in full swing, Millie posted a photo on Instagram announcing her break from social media. While hers wasn’t necessarily for mental health-related reasons, it was still well-deserved. Millie’s still posting on her socials, but not as much as before, so that she can focus on her work.
Two years ago, Kendall shocked the world when she deleted her Instagram account for a bit. Everyone thought something was wrong, but Kendall revealed that she just needed a detox. She told Ellen DeGeneres that she had become so dependent on the app and wanted a break.
Before the release of his third studio album, Ed took to Instagram to announce he’d be taking a break from social media. Rather than live his life through a screen, Ed wanted to take some time and fully experience all the world has to offer. It’s really something we all need to do every once in a while.
Alessia took a very brief break from social media, but because it was right before the release of her second album, she came back for her fans. Though she had been dealing with plenty unnecessary hate from people online, she cut her social detox short to not leave people hanging.
shortest break ever but hi I’m back bc it wouldn’t be fair to leave you guys hanging during album time. you’ve always showed up for me and I want to show up for you, not let this period be tainted by my sensitivity toward hits to my ego. I want to set a better example than that.
— ac (@alessiacara) November 28, 2018
Ariana had a rather rough 2018, with it all coming to a head in the last few months of the year. It was completely understandable that the songstress took a necessary break from the internet in October to deal with everything. We like to believe that because of the break, we were blessed with the ultimate breakup anthem “thank u, next.”
Ariana Grande announces she will be taking a social media break:
“time to say bye bye to the internet for just a lil bit. it’s hard not to bump news n stuff that i’m not tryna to see rn, it’s very sad and we’re all tryin very hard to keep goin. thank u for bein here always.” pic.twitter.com/mnUd9NWEzH
— Pop Alarms ???? (@PopAlarms) October 17, 2018
Has social media taken over your life, and not in the most positive way? HERE’s how to prevent it from dictating your happiness.