Jeremy Allen White Limits Children's Social Media Access
The actor, who stars in the Facebook whistleblower drama 'The Social Reckoning,' expresses concerns about the impact of social media on young people.
Actor Jeremy Allen White is taking steps to shield his children from social media platforms, influenced by his role in the upcoming drama "The Social Reckoning," which centers on the dark side of Facebook. White, father to daughters Ezer, seven, and Dolores, five, shared his anxieties about the pervasive digital environment.
"I get really nervous about young people and certainly my own children with stuff like this," White stated at the film's New York premiere. He elaborated on his concerns, noting that social media exacerbates the natural tendency for children to compare themselves to peers. "And when you get this thing on your phone, you see the world. You're comparing yourself to everything and you're getting desensitised," he said.
White advocates for preserving a more limited environment for children. "I think we should keep young people's worlds as small as we can for as long as we can so they can get to know themselves before comparing themselves to anyone else," he explained.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of platforms like Facebook and Instagram for learning and connection, White expressed apprehension about the dependency that can form, particularly when used by young individuals. "That's when it gets scary for me. So I'm going to try to keep my girls away from it as long as I can," he told Entertainment Tonight.
"The Social Reckoning," set for release on October 9, is a follow-up to the 2010 film "The Social Network." The new movie dramatizes the events surrounding the 2021 Facebook leak by whistleblower Frances Haugen, with Mikey Madison portraying Haugen and Allen White playing Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz. Jeremy Strong takes on the role of Mark Zuckerberg, previously played by Jesse Eisenberg in the original film.
Aaron Sorkin returns as writer and director for the sequel. He stated that the decision to create a follow-up was driven by Facebook's profound and widespread influence on society. "There isn't a life that Facebook's algorithm hasn't touched, and that influence has shaped everything. So it's time to say more," Sorkin commented.
In contrast to White's concerns, Jesse Eisenberg, who starred as Zuckerberg in the original film, has previously expressed a desire to distance himself from the role and the company. During an interview, Eisenberg described Facebook's actions as problematic, citing the removal of fact-checking and safety measures, and expressed concern about the company's vast wealth and influence.
White's personal life has also seen changes, with his separation from actress Addison Timlin in 2023. He has since been romantically linked to his "The Bear" co-star Molly Gordon.