- Meghan Markle rejoins Instagram
- Comments disabled for mental health
- Online harassment impacts discussed
On January 1, 2025, Meghan Markle made a highly anticipated return to Instagram, sharing a video of herself on a Montecito beach, filmed by Prince Harry. This marked her first independent social media presence since 2018, when she closed her personal account before marrying Prince Harry. The return was quickly followed by a trailer for her upcoming Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan,' set to premiere on January 15. Despite her excitement, Meghan has disabled comments on her posts, a decision reflecting her focus on mental well-being.
Comments disabled for mental health
Meghan's decision to disable comments stems from her past experiences with online harassment. In 2020, she shared on the Teenager Therapy podcast, “I don’t care if you’re 15 or you’re 25, if people are saying things about you that aren’t true, what that does to your mental and emotional health is so damaging.” Her concerns are not unfounded; a 2021 report by 'Bot Sentinel' revealed a coordinated campaign targeting Meghan and Harry, with 70% of the harassment originating from just 83 accounts. This prompted Meghan to prioritize her mental health by limiting online interaction.
Online harassment impacts discussed
Meghan has been vocal about the negative impact of social media threats, stating in a 2022 Netflix documentary, “I think for people to really understand, you know, when you plant a seed that is so hateful, what it can grow into.” Her fears are compounded by the responsibility of motherhood, as she expressed the anxiety of ensuring her family's safety amid online threats. Her recent actions on Instagram reflect a broader mission to create a safer digital environment, in line with the goals of The Archewell Foundation, which she co-founded with Prince Harry.