Mia Threapleton, 24, has chosen to shun social media in today’s digitally immersive world, a decision shaped significantly by her mother, acclaimed actress Kate Winslet. In a recent interview with Elle, Threapleton shared her perspective on modern social media and its potential pitfalls, revealing that she has never felt the need to join platforms that many of her peers frequently use.
Threapleton’s upbringing under the public eye, particularly during her mother’s rise to fame with “Titanic,” instilled in her a desire to maintain privacy. Reflecting on her choice, she expressed, “People say, ‘Oh, well done,’ to not having it, but I’ve never had it, so I don’t really know what the ‘Well done’ is for. I don’t want it.” She humorously noted how social media could distract from real-life experiences, such as enjoying nature without the pressure to capture and share every moment.
Inspired by Winslet, who has been candid about her struggles with media scrutiny and body image, Threapleton emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and body confidence. Winslet has long advocated against the harmful influence of social media, especially on young people’s self-esteem. She has articulated concerns about the detrimental impact of social media on self-identity and interpersonal communications, stating that it can profoundly affect how children view themselves and relate to others.
Threapleton recounted how her mother encouraged her to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of joining social media when she was 14, a moment that led her to prioritize her mental well-being over digital presence. “The cons completely outweighed the pros for me. Since then, the more time I spend in this world, the more I’m really happy that I don’t have it,” she noted.
This stance resonates with broader societal discussions about the need for stricter regulations concerning social media use among children. For example, Australia has enacted legislation to ban social media for children under 16, while Norway is contemplating similar restrictions for those under 15.
As more young individuals reflect on their digital footprints and the implications of social media, Threapleton’s choice highlights a growing trend towards valuing privacy and authenticity over online validation.