Why Paul Mescal Stepped Away from Instagram?

Paul Mescal, the 29-year-old actor from Maynooth, Ireland, has experienced an extraordinary rise to fame in recent years. From a relatively unknown figure to becoming a household name following his breakthrough role in Normal People, Mescal’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. However, despite his skyrocketing fame, the actor has chosen to remain largely private, even going so far as to deactivate his Instagram account. But what has prompted this decision, and why does Paul Mescal seem to be distancing himself from the spotlight?

A Look at Mescal’s Instagram History

Yes, Paul Mescal did have an Instagram account—@bigbreadpedlar. Although it was private for about two years, the account still has 125,000 followers. Those lucky enough to be granted access to his profile noted that it was never particularly “front-facing” and lacked a comment section on his posts. Some speculated that Mescal made the account private following rumors involving his ex-girlfriend Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975’s Matty Healy, though he has stated that this was not the cause.

The Decision to Deactivate Instagram

In January, Mescal appeared on The Louis Theroux Podcast, where he shared his thoughts on social media. The actor revealed that the pressure to constantly post film trailers, photoshoots, and updates made him feel like a “commodity” rather than a person. He spoke candidly about how this pressure led him to step away from social media entirely, seeking relief from the incessant demands of online visibility.

A Previous Instagram Account

This wasn’t the first time Mescal had distanced himself from social media. Prior to his current private account, he had another Instagram account, which he deactivated in 2021 after his rapid rise to fame post-Normal People. Mescal explained his decision to The Guardian by saying, “I just don’t think it’s particularly useful for people to see, like, literally you.” He acknowledged the overwhelming nature of social media and decided it was better to step off the “bus” before it became too consuming.

Mental Health and the Need for Privacy

In a 2021 conversation with The Sun, a source close to Mescal revealed that he deactivated his Instagram account because it became a drain on his mental health. Reading comments and constantly engaging with followers felt unproductive to him. With more important things to focus on in his life, Mescal chose to protect his mental well-being by stepping away from the platform. As a private individual, he felt there was no need to share every detail of his life online.

Mescal’s Reflections on Fame and Social Media

In December 2021, Mescal spoke with Glamour about the rapid change in his life due to fame. “It’s an amazing privilege to have a platform like that,” he said. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of living in an era obsessed with social media. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of online fame, he concluded, “Nobody’s going to remember your Instagram following. It’s not going to be written on your tombstone.”

Keeping Up with Paul Mescal

While Mescal has removed himself from social media, there are still fan accounts dedicated to keeping followers updated on his life. Accounts like @paulmescalpics continue to share news and even interact with the actor himself, as seen during a fun quiz Mescal participated in with a super-fan. Though Mescal has chosen a more private path, his fanbase continues to support him from the sidelines.

In the end, Paul Mescal’s decision to step away from the limelight and social media is a testament to his desire for privacy and mental peace in an industry that thrives on constant attention.