Social media can have a lot of positive uses, but there are also a lot of problems that can’t be ignored. Pete Davidson recently opened up about the damage that online bullying has had on his mental health, and now Hailey Bieber (previously Hailey Baldwin before marrying J.Biebs), has shared a powerful message on the same issue.
Hailey posted on her Instagram story to open up about the “immediate anxiety” she gets from logging on. In her case, she’s been the target of an excessive amount of online trolling off the back of her marriage with Bieber, and obviously those cruel messages are doing their damage.
Hailey Baldwin Instagram Story
At just 22 years old, Hailey Bieber clearly has wisdom to share from her negative experience with social media, and it’s an important reminder of the benefits of taking a step back from the platforms. Although she does acknowledge the benefits of the app, her message about bullying and life balance is something that we need to talk about, and practice more.
You can read her full statement here:
“Being off of Instagram is the best thing ever. Whenever I take breaks from it I feel so much better so much happy [sic] as a person.. the second I come back on I get immediate anxiety, I get sad and I get worked up.
“Please don’t get me wrong Instagram is an incredible tool and great way to stay in touch and interact with others. But the negativity screams so loud.
“It’s hard to focus on your well being and mental health when each time you open Instagram someone is tearing apart your job, or your relationship, or essentially any of the things in your life that are positive.
“I just don’t believe we’re called to live a life where we’re so easily caught up in strangers’ opinions on something they have NOTHING to do with. We need to take a step back and realize we need to express more love and encouragement to one another instead of consistently tearing people down and judging.
“I won’t let people make me feel like I’m doing something wrong by enjoying my life and being happy.
“The world has enough hatred, hurt and pain as it is, the last thing we need is more negativity, hate, and division.”
If you would like to talk to someone about mental health, you can call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Headspace on 1800 650 890. If you are contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.