Bryce Dallas Howard Says This Famous Costar Convinced Her to Finally Join Social Media After Being a ‘Holdout for a Long Time’ (Exclusive)

Bryce Dallas Howard, the acclaimed actress known for her compelling performances, recently opened up about her journey into the realm of social media and its implications on her life. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, she discussed this transition during Variety’s 2026 Power of Women event held in Los Angeles on 23rd September.

For many years, Howard was reluctant to engage with social media, viewing it as an unnecessary distraction. However, it was her co-star from *Jurassic World*, Chris Pratt, who ultimately persuaded her to take the leap. “It was just time,” she recalled, revealing how this decision coincided with the preparation for her memorable role in the *Black Mirror* episode titled “Nosedive.” This episode, which premiered on Netflix on 21st October 2016, explores a dystopian future where individuals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, leading to an obsession with societal approval.

Reflecting on her experience, Howard shared how joining social media shortly before filming “Nosedive” proved to be fortuitous. “I was a holdout for a long time,” she admitted, noting how it helped her grapple with the existential questions tied to self-identity. “What do I put as my descriptor for who I am? Who am I?” These questions led her down a “bit of an existential rabbit hole,” prompting her to consider the impact of public perception and social media culture.

The actress expressed concerns about what she calls “spotlight syndrome,” a phenomenon where individuals feel as though they are constantly being scrutinised. “Social media shifted that,” she explained, emphasising how it creates a reality where indeed, people are watching and judging based on curated online personas.

Howard described her role as Lacie in “Nosedive” as not only significant in her career but also instrumental in fostering discussions with her own children—Theodore, 19, and Beatrice, 14—about the complexities of social media. “I had a really amazing advantage as a parent,” she noted, as the episode allowed her to broach the subject of social media with her kids before they were fully exposed to its broader implications. Their reaction to seeing their mother in a narrative highlighting the consequences of social validation was profound. Howard recounted that their response reinforced her message surrounding the potential perils of online engagement.

“Maybe no social media,” she stated, summarising their feedback. Through the lens of “Nosedive,” she recognised the value in storytelling as a tool for societal reflection, articulating her belief that creators like *Black Mirror* co-showrunner Charlie Brooker excel in pushing audiences to think about the future—helping them prepare for the choices that lie ahead.

In her interview, Howard also delved into how she navigates feelings of powerlessness, which can often accompany public life. Her approach, she described as “a little esoteric,” involves a unique grounding ritual introduced to her by directing and acting teacher Joan Scheckel. “I tap my feet and connect to the waters that are rushing underneath the crust of the Earth,” she disclosed, suggesting a metaphorical connection to something larger than herself.

This practice helps her regain a sense of agency, especially in moments of vulnerability. “It’s all about connecting with something way bigger than me,” Howard explained, reiterating the importance of feeling grounded both personally and professionally. She often employs this technique before performance takes, finding solace in the notion of tapping into the earth’s core.

As Howard continues to navigate her career and parenthood, her reflections during the Power of Women event illuminate the intricate balance of public life, personal identity, and the challenges of modern parenthood in an increasingly digital world. Her journey underscores the importance of that balance, not just for herself but for her children, as they collectively adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape.

By embracing her role in “Nosedive” and the revelations from her social media experience, Bryce Dallas Howard has not only contributed to important conversations surrounding technology and self-worth but has also demonstrated the significance of self-awareness in an age dominated by social media.