We’re so used to scrolling through Instagram and taking a glimpse into the lives of our favourite celebrities. From red carpet looks to mirror selfies, it almost feels like a front-row seat to their lives.
Imagine waking up one day to find your feed eerily quiet, with no traces of any new activity from your favourite stars. There are no new selfies, no brand collaborations, and no aesthetic reels to be found. Just absence. That’s pretty much what’s happening lately.
This silence is actually a choice. Over the past few years, a plethora of stars, both Indian and international, have been stepping down from the pedestal of social media. What might look like a mere social media detox is, in reality, a result of something much deeper: the exhaustion of being constantly exposed to the world.
The Pressure Of Being Perfect
Social media may feel like a fun scroll for us, but for public figures, often celebrities, it can feel like a constant pressure to be perfect. From promoting work to managing PR, every post, reel, or caption is dissected, often within minutes, and can become the next big news headline.
Even a single comment, a misunderstood joke, or a bad angle can spark unwanted attention and criticism.
According to the BBC, in a video posted online, the Spider-Man star Tom Holland announced, “I have taken a break from social media for my mental health because I find Instagram and Twitter overstimulating and overwhelming.”
He explained, “I get caught up and I spiral when I read things about me online, and ultimately it is very detrimental to my mental state. So I decided to take a step back and delete the app.”
Ananya Panday, too, in an interview with Mojo Story, shared her take on how Instagram creates body image issues: “Instagram does that to you. Nobody posts their failures on Instagram. You are constantly comparing yourself with someone who you think has a better life or is constantly travelling or looking happy.”
She further added, “I have days when I don’t feel confident and beautiful. But you have to just go through that phase. You need to go with it and not be hard on yourself. As an actor, the most I can do is talk and let people know that I, too, have such days.”
This goes far beyond just the big screen. Even television personalities take time off their Instagram handles to avoid straining themselves. Times Entertainment, by The Times of India, quotes Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 actor Sahil Anand, who took to social media to talk about his mental health:
“I have decided to be inactive for some time. I’m not feeling like myself, and the last couple of months have been tough on me. Right now, I need space. I feel lost. I feel disassociated. Sometimes your passion can become your worst nightmare.”
Social media, for all of us, comes with the pressure of always looking perfect. For actors and celebrities, it is often even more difficult due to the constant scrutiny they face. It often takes more than likes and comments to undo the harm that this obsession with being perfect causes.
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The Toll Of Constant Visibility
For celebrities, being constantly exposed to the world can feel like always living under a microscope. Deaths, divorces, or literally any other sensitive topic can turn into breaking news as the media carefully slices the story to find the perfect hook. For public figures, this often feels like an invasion of privacy.
Elle, in one such interview, quoted actor-singer Selena Gomez: “At one point, Instagram became my whole world, and it was really dangerous. In my early 20s, I felt like I wasn’t pretty enough. There was a whole period in my life when I thought I needed makeup and never wanted to be seen without it.”
Dr Samir Parikh, psychiatrist and director of the Fortis National Mental Health Program, often talks about the effects of social media on both youth and adults. At the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences in Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, Parikh said:
“I would not have thought a decade ago that I would ever talk about the digital self as a separate self. It comes with anonymity, with disinhibition, with the pressure of comparison, and a lot of incorrect information.”
The digital self that Dr Parikh mentions is not simply a theory. It is the version of ourselves that we portray on social media. For celebrities, this portrait is under constant judgment and criticism. Despite the fame it brings, trolling, memes, and unrealistic expectations can be draining.
Many celebrities, including Deepika Padukone, have openly discussed mental health and the hardships that come with fame. Padukone shares her experiences to destigmatise mental health challenges, inspiring fans and peers alike to seek support without shame.
Getting Trapped In The Spotlight
Even when glamour and fame are abundant, the spotlight can sometimes feel like a cage. Celebrities are expected to be constantly informed about everything while still maintaining the persona that fans adore. Sometimes, this pressure can take a toll on mental health.
During a promotion for his 2017 film Raabta, actor Sushant Singh Rajput argued that public figures are not required to know everything: “One can condemn or not if one knows the issue inside out. Why is it important for a public figure to be expected to know every issue?”
This statement came from an argument when the Raabta cast was asked about the death sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav. There have been several instances where celebrities have been dragged into the spotlight for minor mistakes or petty issues. Actress Alia Bhatt, too, was trolled endlessly for similar reasons at the start of her career.
Why Stepping Back Matters
Logging off is more than just taking a break. For celebrities, it is a way of setting boundaries and reclaiming peace. The silence is not a rejection of stardom but an acceptance of healing.
When Aamir Khan left social media, he said, “Considering I am so active anyway, I’ve decided to drop the pretence.” Whether it is Kajol’s digital break or Tom Holland’s decision to delete the app entirely, it emphasises that self-care can sometimes mean disappearing from the noise.
Moreover, it is not just about public figures; this is a reflection of our lives, too. The platforms that promise to bring us connection can also leave us feeling inadequate. If celebrities with millions of followers are choosing silence and peace, perhaps it is a lesson for all of us.
In a world that is constantly moving, taking a step back can be our little act of self-love.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Indian Express, Times Entertainment, BBC
Find the blogger: @shubhangichoudhary_29
This post is tagged under: Tom Holland, Deepika Padukone, Selena Gomez, Sushant Singh Rajput, Ananya Panday, Aamir Khan, celebrities logging off Instagram, celebrity social media detox, why celebrities quit Instagram, mental health awareness, digital detox, Instagram break, Bollywood celebrities, Hollywood stars, fame and mental health, social media pressure, online burnout, celebrity lifestyle
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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