From Emma Stone to Meghan Markle, Here Are 10 Celebs Who Have Decided to Stay off Social Media

A-List Celebs Who Opted Out of Social Media

We are inundated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat updates, and it's challenging to envision a world without social media today. Despite the widespread connectivity these platforms offer, many find themselves yearning for a time when social media didn't exist. The bombardment of information and constant notifications often stress users out and engage them in unhealthy comparison and competition. Celebs widen their reach and earn hefty amounts from social media; however, many recognize the disadvantages of these platforms and decide to stay away. Here are a few of such celebs.

1. Emma Stone

Stone has consistently refrained from engaging with social media platforms—at least there is no public record of her having any accounts. Her lifestyle stands in stark contrast to that of many other celebrities as she opts for a more private existence. During an interview with ELLE U.S. in 2018, the renowned "La La Land" actress openly expressed her reservations about social media, asserting that it wouldn't contribute positively to her life. In her own words, Stone explained, "If people can handle that sort of output and input in the social media sphere, more power to them." 

2. Kristen Stewart

Stewart has consistently steered clear of maintaining any public presence on social media platforms, a decision that aligns with her uncomplicated perspective on sharing personal experiences online. In a candid 2016 interview with CBS News, the actress expressed her straightforward take on the matter, stating, "I know I sound ridiculous and really obvious—everyone says this, and I sound like an older person, but we could be doing way cooler s--t. It's so time-consuming." Stewart's words reflect a sentiment shared by those who choose to abstain from social media, emphasizing a desire for more meaningful and immersive activities rather than getting caught up in the often consuming digital world. 

3. Jennifer Lawrence

Lawrence has chosen to stay off public social media accounts, citing the intense criticism she has faced online throughout her career as the primary reason. In 2014, she explained that the Internet's constant scrutiny was the driving force behind her decision. However, in a surprising twist, she revealed in a 2018 InStyle interview that she does, in fact, operate secretly on social media, adopting a passive role with the statement, "I watch, I don't speak." This subtle engagement offers a unique glimpse into Lawrence's discreet approach to social media, demonstrating a preference for observation rather than active participation.

4. Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett has been vocal about her reservations regarding certain social media platforms, particularly singling out Instagram for its potential to breed comparison and narcissism. In a 2015 interview with Yahoo Beauty, the esteemed actress acknowledged the subversive quality of the Internet and its ability to genuinely connect people. However, she also pointed out the downside of social media, emphasizing its quick divisiveness and the emergence of rivalry and jealousy. Blanchett's critique highlights the challenges posed by these platforms where comparisons can lead to a perception that life elsewhere is superior. Her insights offer a critical examination of the social dynamics and psychological impacts associated with engaging in social media.

5. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle was active on social media until 2016 when she deactivated her personal accounts and transitioned to the @sussexroyal account managed by PR. In March 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry announced the end of the @sussexroyal account as part of their decision to step back from senior roles in the British Royal Family. Now residing in Los Angeles, it remains uncertain whether Meghan will return to social media. The future will reveal whether she chooses to re-engage with online platforms and provide glimpses into her life.

6. Amal Clooney

Amal Clooney, renowned for her globe-trotting career as an international law and human rights barrister, appears to have little time for social media. Despite her high-profile work, she has not provided a specific reason for abstaining from social media platforms. Meanwhile, her husband, George Clooney has openly shared his own reluctance to engage in social media, citing a fear of making regrettable remarks as his primary deterrent. The power couple's decision to maintain a distance from social media underscores their focus on privacy and the thoughtful approach they take toward public communication.

7. Cameron Diaz

Formerly active on social media, Cameron Diaz expressed her unfiltered views on the internet in a 2015 interview with Cosmopolitan U.K. She characterized social media as a "crazy-ass experiment on society," pointing out the potential dangers of people seeking validation from strangers online. Diaz questioned the purpose of using social media for such validation, offering a candid perspective on the societal impact of these platforms. Her frank commentary reflects a critical assessment of the dynamics and motivations behind the prevalent use of social media.

8. Kate Moss

Unlike many '90s supermodels in 2020, Kate Moss doesn't use social media. Despite her role as part-owner of the Kate Moss Agency account, she remains absent from personal social media platforms. In a 2017 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Moss explained her choice, citing a preference for the mystique of the pre-digital era in modeling. She straightforwardly stated, "I don't have any personal accounts on social media, I'm just not into posting about personal stuff online." Moss' perspective emphasizes her deliberate decision to keep her personal life private in an age of constant online sharing.

9. Scarlett Johansson

Despite being among the highest-paid actresses globally, Scarlett Johansson avoids social media. In a 2011 Interview magazine interview, she expressed her reluctance to continuously share details of her everyday life. In a 2023 interview on the "Skinny Confidential Him & Her" podcast, Johansson revealed her apprehension toward social media, citing feeling "fragile" in the face of negativity. Humorously referring to herself as a "delicate flower," she acknowledged her unsuitability for the potential pitfalls of public celebrity accounts. Johansson also shared a lighthearted anecdote about briefly dabbling with Instagram, realizing she could easily fall into obsessive patterns. This experience reaffirmed her decision to steer clear of social media, underlining concerns about its potential impact on mental well-being.

10. Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley briefly ventured onto Instagram but her stint on the platform lasted only "about five minutes" before she decided to delete herself entirely. In a 2019 interview with The Irish Times, she shared her experience, mentioning, "I watched [the account] accumulate, like, 100 followers in three seconds, and I got so freaked out that I turned it off straight away." Knightley's swift retreat from Instagram highlights her discomfort with the rapid and immediate attention that social media can attract, emphasizing her preference for privacy over public scrutiny.