Why Jenna Ortega Left Twitter: A Candid Reflection on Digital Terror
Jenna Ortega, renowned for her captivating performances in horror series and films like “Wednesday,” “Scream,” and “X,” has found herself grappling with a nightmare of a different sort. The young actress, who turned heads with her talent since her Disney Channel days, has spoken openly about her troubling experiences online, ultimately deciding to leave Twitter behind.
Artificial Intelligence and the Unseen Dangers
“I hate AI,” Ortega admitted in an episode of The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast. She painted a vivid picture of her early experiences with social media, sharing how harmless curiosity swiftly morphed into a haunting encounter with explicit content. At just 14, Jenna was overwhelmed by unwarranted images, facing a terrifying reality of what technology could spawn.
Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in areas like medicine, Ortega described her emotions about the darker side of digital life as deeply unsettling. “Did I like being 14 and making a Twitter account because I was supposed to and seeing dirty edited content of me as a child? No. It’s terrifying. It’s corrupt. It’s wrong. It’s disgusting,” she reflected, revealing the unnerving truth behind her online experiences.
The Cost of Fame: Estrangement from Platforms
Starting her career with the Disney series “Stuck in the Middle,” Ortega became a household name seemingly overnight. Yet, fame came with its own set of complexities. She explained how, from the moment she joined mainstream social media, her innocence was shattered by unsolicited messages. “The first [direct message] I ever opened myself when I was 12 was an unsolicited photo of a man’s genitals,” she recounted. And as if that was not shocking enough, Jenna revealed that AI-generated child pornography of her also surfaced online.
“Did I like being 14 and making a Twitter account because I was supposed to and seeing dirty edited content of me as a child? No. It’s terrifying. It’s corrupt. It’s wrong. It’s disgusting.”
With countless instances of harassment stemming from her newfound recognition, Ortega decided enough was enough. “I had to delete my account two to three years ago because the influx after the show [‘Wednesday’] had come out was overwhelming,” she said resolutely. The struggle to maintain a positive digital front led her to retreat, looking for solace away from the often hostile online space.
In addition to starring as the iconic Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s “Wednesday,” a psychological thriller extension to the classic “The Addams Family,” Ortega’s fame skyrocketed. The viral clips of her dancing in character showcased her charm yet masked the internal battle she was facing as a public figure.
Digital Detox and Personal Growth
The actress, now 21, reassessed her presence on social media, realizing the mental toll it took. “I deleted it because I couldn’t say anything without seeing something like that. It made me feel bad and uncomfortable,” she confided. One day, a simple thought of escape led to her decision to embrace a life less dictated by digital pressures. “Oh, I don’t need this anymore. So I dropped it,” she mused.
While she still utilizes Instagram, Ortega remains cautious, exemplifying a balance between engagement and mental well-being. “I’m learning how to protect myself,” she said, showcasing her growth amidst the chaos of fame. Stronger and wiser, Jenna continues to navigate her path with resilience, reflecting on her experiences in ways that may help other young stars facing similar digital dilemmas.
