Spider-Man actor Tom Holland announced he’s taking a break from social media after spiraling when reading comments.
Holland, 26, said he’s deleting the apps from his phone and is not reinstalling them anytime soon. In an almost three minute video on Instagram, Holland broke the news to his fans — admitting it took him over an hour to record the video.
“I find Twitter and Instagram to be overstimulating and overwhelming,” Holland said. “I get caught up and spiral when I read what’s said about me online — so I’m deleting the app.”
In his brief return to Instagram, Holland took time to highlight a charity that he’s working with — Stem4.org — an app that focuses on mental health and aims to help young people who are suffering.
“There is an awful stigma against mental health and I know that asking for help and seeking help isn’t something that we should be ashamed of, but it is something that is much easier said than done,” Holland said.
Holland is one of many celebrities who have taken a step back from social media platforms to focus on their mental health. Actress Selena Gomez — an advocate for on mental health — also revealed that social media apps had taken a toll on her mental and physical well being.
In a British study linking social media to mental health, experts found that social media decreases, disrupts and delays sleep, which can be associated with depression, memory loss, and poor academic and workplace performance.
“It’s a very vulnerable population to have access to something where there is no stopgap before they post or press the send button. I think that’s something of which to be mindful,” said Jacqueline Sperling, PhD, a psychologist at McLean Hospital.
As Holland continues to repair himself and focus on what truly matters, he proves that even superheroes need a break from time to time.
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