For years, social media transformed the relationship between celebrities and their audiences. Platforms like Instagram and X allowed actors to connect directly with fans, promote projects and share moments from their personal and professional lives without traditional media intermediaries.
Today, however, the experience of being online has changed significantly. Alongside opportunities for engagement, public figures increasingly face cyberbullying, impersonation, manipulated content, privacy violations and the spread of AI-generated deepfakes.
Recent decisions by several Indian actresses to reduce or temporarily leave social media have brought renewed attention to these growing digital challenges.
Aishwarya Lekshmi Chose to Disconnect
Actor Aishwarya Lekshmi surprised many fans after deactivating her social media accounts.
Speaking about her decision, she explained that manipulated images and misleading content created using her photographs had become a significant source of stress. According to the actor, such misuse affected her peace of mind, and she indicated that she had no immediate plans to return to social media.
Her experience reflects a broader concern shared by many public figures who have found their images altered or circulated without permission.
Kayadu Lohar and Mamitha Baiju Also Took a Step Back
Actor Kayadu Lohar also announced a temporary break from social media, explaining that professional updates would continue through her team while she focused on personal well-being and reduced screen time.
Similarly, Mamitha Baiju informed followers that her absence would be temporary and that her official accounts would continue to be managed by her team until she returned.
Although each actor cited personal reasons, their decisions collectively point toward a growing awareness of digital well-being within the entertainment industry.
The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
Advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier than ever to create convincing fake images, videos and audio recordings.
Deepfake technology, while having legitimate creative and educational applications, has also been misused to create fabricated content involving public figures without their consent.
Several Indian actors, including Rashmika Mandanna, Tamannaah Bhatia and Alia Bhatt, have previously spoken publicly about concerns relating to manipulated digital content and online impersonation.
The misuse of AI-generated media has raised important questions about digital consent, identity protection and platform accountability.
Cyberbullying Remains a Serious Challenge
Beyond manipulated content, many celebrities continue to face:
- Abusive comments
- Online harassment
- Threatening direct messages
- Identity impersonation
- Coordinated trolling
- False rumours spread through social media
While public visibility is often considered part of celebrity life, sustained online abuse can affect emotional well-being regardless of profession.
Digital experts have increasingly encouraged healthier online boundaries for both public figures and everyday users.
Mental Well-Being Over Constant Visibility
Mental health professionals have long discussed the potential impact excessive social media use may have on stress levels, anxiety, sleep quality and emotional health.
For actors whose work is continuously scrutinised online, balancing professional visibility with personal privacy can be especially challenging.
Taking periodic breaks from social media has become one approach some public figures use to reduce digital fatigue while maintaining healthier boundaries between public and private life.
A Larger Conversation About Online Safety
The experiences shared by several actresses highlight issues that extend well beyond the entertainment industry.
Millions of internet users—particularly women—continue to encounter online harassment, identity misuse and non-consensual manipulation of personal images.
Technology companies, policymakers, law enforcement agencies and online communities all have roles to play in creating safer digital spaces.
Experts continue to advocate for:
- Stronger action against online abuse
- Faster removal of harmful content
- Improved reporting systems
- Greater public awareness about digital ethics
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence
Balancing Technology with Responsibility
Artificial intelligence and social media have transformed communication, creativity and access to information. However, those same technologies require responsible use to protect privacy, dignity and individual rights.
The recent decisions by Aishwarya Lekshmi, Kayadu Lohar and Mamitha Baiju serve as reminders that online engagement should never come at the expense of personal safety or peace of mind.
As conversations around digital privacy continue to evolve, many public figures are choosing to redefine success online—not by the number of followers they have, but by maintaining healthier relationships with technology.
