Billie Eilish is once again opening up about her complicated relationship with social media. In a candid conversation with Complex published on December 5, the 22-year-old singer described her social media habits as a troubling addiction, likening it to smoking cigarettes. “It’s really a problem,” she admitted, reflecting on how she gets “sucked in” by the platforms. Despite efforts to distance herself from the digital world, Eilish finds herself caught in a constant push-and-pull, where the allure of fan interaction on tour contrasts with the negative effects of online engagement.
Billie’s relationship with social media is far from simple. While she enjoys connecting with her fans—especially while on tour—the experience often turns toxic. “I really love to interact with the fans when I’m on tour,” Eilish shared. However, she continued, not being active on social media makes it challenging to engage with her followers. “I love seeing all the videos and all the angles,” she said, adding that viewing fan content helps her adjust her performances.
But like many in the public eye, Eilish finds that social media can spiral out of control. “I go on the internet to see the videos that I want to see, but then I get sucked in,” she confessed. This is when the “problem” starts, she explained, echoing the addictive nature of social media platforms. “It’s my cigarettes,” she said, a stark metaphor for how she feels trapped by the digital world.
While Eilish does appreciate moments of connection—such as Instagram Q&As where she can chat with her fans—she doesn’t shy away from the darker side of social media. “Some of it’s awesome, and I love it and cherish it. But again, people make that kind of thing really hard,” she revealed. In the same breath, she lamented how some individuals ruin the experience for everyone else. It’s a sentiment that many celebrities can relate to: the intense scrutiny and hate that come with the fame.
Billie’s comments serve as a reminder of the complex nature of celebrity, where the need for public interaction often collides with the desire for privacy. In fact, she has been outspoken about her reluctance to reveal intimate details of her life, stating that while she wants people to feel “seen and heard,” she also recognizes the boundary between what she owes to her fans and what should remain private.
This isn’t the first time Billie has spoken about the pressure and pain that comes with fame, particularly on social media. In 2020, she openly admitted that reading Instagram comments had a detrimental effect on her mental health. “It’s way worse than it’s ever been right now,” she told BBC at the time. “It’s weird: the cooler the things you get to do, the more people hate you. It’s crazy.” These experiences seem to have shaped her current approach to digital engagement, where she’s learned to draw a line between personal well-being and the need to stay connected.
Billie’s reflections also touch on the broader struggles many face in the digital age. The constant barrage of content, opinions, and demands for transparency can be overwhelming, especially for young artists like Billie, who grew up in the social media era. Yet, as she navigates these challenges, it’s clear she’s focused on finding a balance that allows her to maintain her sense of self amidst the noise.
Billie’s current strategy is to step back from the constant pull of social media. After taking a hiatus from platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, she’s committed to getting “off that s–t,” even if the struggle continues. “I’ve been back on it, but I am trying to get off,” she admitted, underscoring the difficulty of escaping the digital trap. For Billie, social media is a “problem” she’s trying to tackle, but it’s an ongoing battle—one that many celebrities, influencers, and everyday users are also familiar with.
Despite the challenges, Billie Eilish remains open and vulnerable with her fans, acknowledging the positive aspects of social media while maintaining a cautious distance. She continues to navigate the fine line between digital connection and self-preservation, with the hope of finding a healthier relationship with the online world.
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