Karan Johar, Neha Kakkar and other celebrities step away from social media

In recent months, a noticeable trend has emerged among Indian celebrities and public figures: taking intentional breaks from social media to prioritise mental health and personal well-being, and to escape the constant pressures of online scrutiny, trolling, and perpetual availability. These ‘breaks’ reflect broader concerns about burnout from endless scrolling, public criticism, and the demands of maintaining an always-on persona in the digital age.

Filmmaker-producer Karan Johar joined this wave by announcing a one-week digital detox via Instagram Stories. He wrote: "Digital Detox for a week! No doom scrolling! No DMs! No posts! May the universe give me strength to stay away!!!!" The break follows recent discussions around online outrage in Bollywood, including his production Homebound missing an Oscars nod.

Singer Neha Kakkar, earlier in January 2026, with a cryptic Instagram Story announced taking a break from "responsibilities, relationships, work and everything I can think of right now." She added uncertainty about returning ("Not sure if I'll be back or not") and urged fans and paparazzi to respect her privacy. The break was announced amid backlash on her latest track Candy Shop.

Zakir Khan, the stand-up comedian, recently shared plans for a significant hiatus from live comedy and work to focus on health, potentially lasting 3–5 years after concluding his current tour by June 20, 2026. Though broader than social media, the announcement ties into industry burnout discussions, including the strain of constant content creation and prioritising health.

Jamie Lever, the comedian and mimicry artist, took a short break in late December 2025 after backlash to a Bigg Boss 19’s contestant Tanya Mittal’s mimicry video and shared feeling like she'd "lost a small part of myself," needing time to rest and reset.

Ronit Roy announced a temporary social media break in November 2025 to prioritize personal growth, better habits, mental and spiritual well-being, and self-rediscovery. He reassured fans it wasn't permanent, asking them not to forget him while he works toward his goals, and has since been less active.

These announcements have resonated widely, with supportive fan reactions on platforms emphasizing the importance of boundaries in an always-connected world. Many shared personal stories of digital fatigue, turning it into broader conversations about mental health and healthier online habits.