Emma Stone, the two-time Oscar-winning actress, revealed why she chooses not to have an Instagram account in a recent interview, citing concerns for her mental health. Her comments came as she discussed her collaboration with Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos on a Squarespace commercial set to air during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8.
Stone, 37, who stars in the black-and-white commercial, described how the ad features her attempting to secure a personal domain name, an action she also completed herself while preparing for the shoot. The actress explained that her decision to avoid Instagram is a deliberate choice rooted in protecting her wellbeing.
Choosing Privacy Over Social Media Engagement
When asked if she intended to turn her newly purchased domain name into a lifestyle site, Stone responded decisively,
“One hundred percent no. That’s why I don’t even have Instagram,”
reflecting her hesitation to engage actively on social platforms. She added,
“I’m too afraid of my own mental health to be engaged in that way, and that’s why I’m such a lurker and love following other people’s stuff.”
The actress further shared her surprise at not owning a domain name before the commercial, stating,
“I don’t know [why] I never actually did that.”
She gave credit to Squarespace for accommodating her late decision, saying,
“Squarespace kind of had to deal with my lack of foresight. So I’m very grateful they did or else the commercial really would not have worked. It would have been weird if you went to EmmaStone.com and it was… I don’t even know what might have been going on over there.”
Early Interest in Websites and Online Content
Stone also reflected on her childhood fascination with building early internet sites, recalling her experiences with platforms like Angelfire and GeoCities. She said,
“I was very into building kind of prototypical sites,”
and reminisced about creating a class presentation that required people to visit the library to view it.
“I was really proud of my drop-down menus, and you know, all the things that you could do on Angelfire, basically. So I was very into that.”
Expanding on her connection to online publishing, Stone described herself as “one of the Substack freaks” and admitted,
“I’m spending a lot of money on Substack.”
She credited the subscription-based platform for her continued interest in reading, explaining that she consumes a wide range of content there, from fashion and creative writing to
“a little bit of the gossipy stuff.”
Stone’s Ongoing Career and Award Recognition
In addition to discussing her digital preferences, Stone is currently preparing for the Academy Awards on March 15, where she is nominated for Best Actress for her role in Bugonia, a film she also produced. The movie, her fourth collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos, is also competing for Best Picture.
Her work with Lanthimos and her dedication to both acting and producing underscore her multifaceted career, while her cautious approach to social media reflects a thoughtful balance between public presence and private life.
The Importance of Mental Health in the Digital Age
Emma Stone’s decision to avoid Instagram highlights a growing awareness among celebrities about the impact of social media on mental health. By choosing to remain a “lurker” rather than actively posting, she maintains personal boundaries that support her wellbeing. As the digital landscape evolves, her example may encourage others to reconsider how they engage with online platforms.
Looking ahead, Stone’s partnership with Squarespace during one of the biggest televised events will likely draw attention to her digital presence in a controlled and meaningful way, demonstrating how public figures can interact with technology on their own terms.
