Social media has played a very important role where fans of Hollywood stars and all sorts of celebrities can interact with their favorites by way of tagging their user accounts in conversations or hashtagging topics of similar interest. However, sometimes one just wants to take a break from it all and clear their mind. That’s the case of “The Young and the Restless” star Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) who recently announced that she has decided to take a two-week hiatus from social media and from watching the news as part of a social experiment.
“I am going to not watch the news and not be on Social Media for 2 weeks. I’m going to see if anything changes in my life (for the better),” Stafford shared on Instagram on Wednesday, August 11 in what is expected to be her last social media post until at least August 25, which would mark the end of the two week period.
“It’s been really challenging for ALL of us. I don’t think reading about or seeing or listening to people fight or degrade each other on TV or SM is really beneficial to my life or my creative life,” Stafford says. “In two weeks I’ll actually tell you how it goes. I’ll share with you, what I learn. Now, what I WILL be doing is helping my kids start their new year in school. And what I will be doing is working on this new project that I’ll tell you all about when I come back… and what I will be doing is sending you all love… just not on social media 🙂 it’s a fun experiment. You are all extraordinary. See you in a couple weeks.”
Stafford’s decision to get off of social media has received praise from some of her fellow daytime stars, past and present, including Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos, “General Hospital”) who said, “Ohhh I wanna do this too !!!” Wright’s co-star, Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), also likes the idea, saying, “I’m in.”
Meanwhile, Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker, “Days of our Lives”) revealed she tried this in July and enjoyed the experience. “I did it in July! It’s fantastic!!! Have fun living in the moment!” she said in response to Stafford’s post, closing with a “heart” emoji. Also interested in the concept is former soap star Scott Reeves (“GH,” “Y&R”), who commented, “Love this idea! I might do this myself!” He also closed his post with a “heart” emoji.
Good luck, Michelle! You’re much stronger than the rest of us.
At press time, Stafford’s post has been liked almost 9,000 times.