From fame hungry reality TV nobodies to pop divas, sports icons to Oscar-bait actors, these days, if you don’t have a social media account, are you even famous? It’s all selfies, cryptic subtweets, and “look how relatable I am” staged but totally not staged candids. Oversharing isn’t just common, it’s the whole business model. And now, we have this reoccurring PR stunt: “I’m taking a break from social media to focus on my mental health.” Yeah sure babe, you’ll be back the moment your follower count dips below your ego level. “There’s more to life than Instagram”? Sure. But none of us are logging off, because we’re all addicted and pretending we’re not. So yeah, go touch some grass… Then tag me in it.
Remember when Selena Gomez dropped an “I’m off socials for a while, I’m focusing on what really matters” post, only to be back promoting her cooking show hours later? Or Aussie influencer Abbie Chatfield declaring a getaway from online negativity, then resurfacing immediately like it never happened? That fleeting “logging off” energy is less ‘radical peace’, and more… performance peace.
Announcing a social media detox is essentially still about you, just framed as self-improvement. You didn’t vanish into the mountains to churn butter; you just muted your notifications. What’s the payoff? Engagement skyrockets: likes, “proud of you” comments, even “you inspire me!” DMs roll in. Then you show up, post a sunrise, and pretend you found enlightenment. Cute. But we see you. You’re still creating content, and we’re eating it up like Gordon Ramsey’s ‘amazing breakfast burger’.
It isn’t a ‘celebrity fatigue break’, it’s systemic. A global smartphone study revealed that as of 2025, around 21% of users meet behavioural addiction criteria, and nearly half of young people showed addictive mobile phone use tied to heightened risks of suicidal thoughts. Researchers warn, it’s not about total screen time but compulsive, emotionally driven use.
Considering a short detox? Don’t bother! A study found that a 24-hour phone abstinence BARELY moved the needle on mood or cravings (Wilcockson). But, on the flip side, a sustained two-week detox did improve sleep, life satisfaction, stress, and addiction scores (MDPI).
Okay – fine, I’ll admit, unplugging can help. Deep breathing, nature walks, real human connection? Valid and effective. But here’s the kicker: the only way to truly log off is to stop making it content. ENOUGH with the attention-grabbing “I’m offline” posts… maybe actually go offline? And if you do find yourself sucked back in, at least own it.
References:
MDPI. (2023). Digital detox: Effects of a two-week smartphone abstinence on sleep, life satisfaction, stress, and addiction scores. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/13/12/1004
People. (2024, February 2). Selena Gomez back on Instagram after announcing social media departure. People. https://people.com/selena-gomez-back-on-instagram-after-announcing-social-media-departure-8425260
Sky News. (2024, January 15). If you care: Aussie media personality Abbie Chatfield announces a break from social media to escape online negativity – but returns mere hours later. Sky News Australia. https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity-life/if-you-care-aussie-media-personality-abbie-chatfield-announces-a-break-from-social-media-to-escape-online-negativity-but-returns-mere-hours-later/news-story/185e6b9d66d29fa18e64a75d44d7d01c
SQ Magazine. (2025, March 5). Smartphone addiction statistics. SQ Magazine. https://sqmagazine.co.uk/smartphone-addiction-statistics/
Washington Post. (2025, June 30). Cellphone addiction and suicidal thoughts: Why social media breaks might not be enough. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/06/30/cellphone-addiction-social-media-suicidal-thoughts/
Wilcockson, T. D. W., Osborne, A. M., & Ellis, D. A. (2019). Digital detox: The effect of smartphone abstinence on mood, anxiety, and craving. Addictive Behaviors, 99, 106013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.06.002
Kathrynf 
Alexander Hanjin De Filippo 
Eabha Quinn