Actress Jenna Ortega, star of Netflix’s hit show Wednesday, says social media makes it difficult for young people to discover who they really are.
In a recent BBC interview, Ortega, 22, explained that unlike past generations who connected face-to-face in their communities, today’s youth mostly find community online. She said this online interaction can feel very isolating.
Ortega noted that social media exposes young people to “so many voices and so many opinions” — far more than humans were naturally meant to handle. This overload, she said, makes it harder for young people to understand what makes their own voice unique and find a sense of purpose.
She said, “Young people are struggling to find, ‘What makes my voice stand out? What is it about me in this world and this society today that gives me a sense of purpose or control or authority?’ ”
Ortega has been open about the darker side of social media. Last year, she spoke about her negative experiences with online content from her childhood being edited and shared without her consent, calling it “terrifying” and “corrupt.”
Despite these challenges, Wednesday continues to resonate with viewers for exploring themes of belonging and community in today’s digital age. Season 2 of Wednesday will premiere on Netflix in two parts on August 6 and September 3.
