The choice that Meghan Markle made to disable comments on her Instagram account, which she recently reactivated, has generated a tremendous deal of thought and debate.
On New Year's Day, the Duchess of Sussex brought her social media presence back to the forefront by releasing a straightforward video of herself running along a beach in California. It is possible to see the 43-year-old individual stooping down to draw the number "2025" on the wet sand in the footage. After a few hours had passed, according to Mirror, Meghan delighted her followers by revealing the trailer for her much awaited series on Netflix, titled "With Love, Meghan."
The fact that the comments area is still disabled, despite the fact that the articles are open for likes, has given rise to rumors and speculation regarding the motivation behind this decision. Ed Hopkins, an expert in celebrity public relations, suggests that the choice may be part of a purposeful effort to safeguard her mental health and lessen the likelihood of unfavorable encounters.
Speaking to Express, Hopkins explained: "From a PR perspective, this decision isn't necessarily about avoiding engagement, but rather about protecting her mental health and reducing the risk of harmful or negative interactions, which can be all too common on social media platforms." He added that Meghan has been subjected to significant online criticism in the past, and by limiting public commentary, she may be trying to create a safer, more supportive space for herself and her followers.
Hopkins suggested that Meghan's approach is actually smarter than it may appear to be, despite the fact that some people might disagree with the idea that banning comments could reduce interaction.
"Meghan's posts can still foster engagement in other ways-such as through her choice of content, her message, and the conversations she sparks around her posts," he said.
Additionally, he brought attention to the fact that Instagram provides its followers with a multitude of additional options to communicate with the platform. These include likes, shares, and direct messages (DMs), which still enable individuals to show their support without the risk of receiving unwanted criticism from the public.
Hopkins concluded that the key to this decision is balance. "Meghan is likely looking to protect her peace while also sharing meaningful moments and causes with her followers," he said. "As we've seen from other public figures, taking control of one's digital environment can be a savvy and empowering move."
Netflix has scheduled the premiere of Meghan Markle's new series "With Love, Meghan" for Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Fans are eagerly expecting the release, but it is evident that the Duchess is carefully handling her social media presence in order to keep a healthy balance between her interaction with the public and her own personal well-being.
Business Times has reached out to Meghan Markle for comments.
