Emmy Rossum Admits She’s Online ‘Too Much’: ‘I Have to Set Limits’ (Exclusive)

Emmy Rossum has recently shared her insights on the challenges of navigating social media and its impact on mental well-being. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the actress revealed that she frequently feels the need to impose restrictions on her online presence, admitting that she finds herself spending excessive amounts of time on social platforms.

The conversation touched on Rossum’s struggle to maintain a healthy balance between her digital and physical life. “I’m online a lot, perhaps too much, and I have to set limits for myself,” she remarked, noting that she has even considered acquiring a device designed to reduce phone usage, colloquially known as a “Brick.” She candidly described how the algorithms of social media have started to affect her mental processes, stating, “The algorithm is messing with my brain.”

Despite her challenges, Rossum is committed to finding a more harmonious relationship with technology. She highlighted the importance of disconnecting from the digital world to reconnect with nature. “I think it’s crucial to sit in a park and appreciate the environment,” she said, sharing that she visits her chosen spot in Central Park to reflect and breathe in the tranquillity of her surroundings at least once daily.

Rossum’s concerns about online overexposure extend beyond her own experiences; she is particularly mindful of how it may affect her children. As a mother to a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son, she described the need to model positive self-talk. “I feel like they can read my mind sometimes,” she noted, explaining that she is becoming increasingly cautious about the way she communicates with herself. She emphasized the importance of nurturing a kind inner dialogue, particularly as it relates to raising her children. “I want them to grow up being their own best friend,” she said.

The actress elaborated on the potential pitfalls of spending too much time online, expressing her concern regarding the tendency to engage in negative self-comparison. “Too much time on social media can lead us to be unkind to ourselves due to ‘compare and despair’,” she reflected. Rossum believes that fostering positive self-communication is essential for both personal growth and for setting a healthy example for her children.

In addition to her reflections on social media, Rossum is also making waves with her upcoming role in the psychological crime drama series, “Furious,” set to premiere on Hulu on July 27. In this series, she portrays FBI Agent Alice Black, who is tasked with tracking a calculating female serial killer. The official synopsis teases a storyline that intertwines the paths of both women, challenging the notions of justice and morality.

Regarding her preparation for the role, Rossum spoke about her fascination with women in law enforcement and her proactive approach to understanding the job. She took the initiative to train alongside current and former FBI agents and NYPD detectives to authentically portray her character’s professional nuances.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the series, Rossum highlighted the camaraderie she experienced while working with an all-female team of creatives, including executive producer Elizabeth Meriwether and co-star Quincy Tyler Bernstine. “I definitely felt the sisterhood while working on this show,” she said, reflecting on the empowering atmosphere among the cast and crew.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, Rossum expressed her joy in filming a project that resonates with her personal connection to the city. “It’s amazing to be part of a show that treats New York as a character in its own right,” she stated.

“Furious” is set to debut shortly, featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes Jake Lacy, Lola Petticrew, and Scoot McNairy. As anticipation builds for the series, it seems that Rossum is not only set to captivate audiences with her performance but also to share her reflections on the importance of balancing personal and digital lives, reminding us all of the need for genuine connections in an increasingly online world.