Chrissy Teigen has called for a social media curfew.
The model – who is married to singer John Legend – is a regular user of Instagram but she’s convinced services should be suspended between the hours of 6pm and 6am to give everyone a break because “life was awesome” before platforms like Facebook and TikTok launched. Teigen herself boasts over 42 million followers across various social media platforms.
“I personally think that one day there will be the most incredible rule, my first rule would be — I think the government or some kind of ethics committee, somebody, should shut off social media between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” she explained in a post on her Instagram Stories. Recent studies have shown that nighttime social media use can significantly impact sleep quality and mental health.
“Leave it all up. Everyone gets to do anything they want but only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shut it off. Done.” This suggestion aligns with growing concerns about digital wellness, as research indicates that excessive social media use can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
Chrissy went on to add: “I come from the days where we had nothing and then we saw something. Guys, life was great. Life was awesome before this.” Her nostalgic reference points to the pre-social media era of the early 2000s, when internet usage was primarily limited to desktop computers.
“I know it’s hard to see it now, but it’s doable. It’s very doable. This doesn’t have to be our lives. And I say this for myself as well because, obviously, I’m on here right now doing this! But it doesn’t have to define us or be our whole lives.” Mental health experts have increasingly supported similar initiatives to limit social media exposure.
Chrissy’s post comes after TikTok was taken down in the US on Saturday night (18.01.25) after lawmakers in the country ordered the platform’s Chinese owners ByteDance to sell the firm or face a black out in America. The platform has over 170 million active users in the United States alone.
However, the platform has since been given a reprieve thanks to US President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to worked with the company to find a solution after he officially takes office on Monday (20.01.25). The TikTok controversy has sparked renewed debates about social media regulation and national security.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” a statement from TikTok posted on X explained. The temporary shutdown affected millions of content creators who rely on the platform for their income.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. The platform’s economic impact in the US is estimated to be worth billions annually.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.” Digital rights advocates have emphasized the importance of balancing national security concerns with free speech protections.
Teigen’s proposed social media curfew has sparked widespread discussion among both celebrities and mental health professionals, with many pointing to the potential benefits of structured digital breaks. Studies have shown that implementing designated offline periods can lead to improved mental well-being and stronger real-world connections.
The conversation around social media regulation continues to evolve, with various countries exploring different approaches to managing digital platform usage. Expert opinions suggest that finding a balance between technological advancement and human well-being remains a crucial challenge for modern society.
