In a surprising move, filmmaker Karan Johar has announced a break from social media, citing a need for a "digital detox". The director, known for his active presence and engaging posts on various platforms, shared his decision with a message that resonated with many users experiencing similar sentiments in the digital age.

Johar's announcement, posted on his social media accounts on January 27, 2026, was brief but firm: "Digital Detox for a week! No doom scrolling! No DMs! No posts! May the universe give me the strength to stay away!!!!". The statement immediately sparked reactions from fans and industry colleagues, many expressing support for his decision and acknowledging the overwhelming nature of social media.

This isn't the first time Johar has hinted at a need to disconnect. Last year, he expressed concerns about the constant influx of negative news and its impact on mental well-being, even questioning if others felt the same anxiety and should consider a detox. "Is everyone else getting anxious seeing only bad news on the gram???" he posted on his Instagram story in July 2025, adding, "Have seriously considered a detox!".

The filmmaker's decision also echos back to his departure from Twitter (now X) in January 2023, when he stated his intention to make space for more positive energy in his life. At the time, it was reported that Johar had been receiving a lot of trolls and hate comments, particularly regarding accusations of promoting nepotism in Bollywood.

Before embarking on his week-long digital detox, Johar's last social media activity included a post featuring Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt, wishing everyone a Happy Republic Day. He had also recently celebrated the box office success of Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar" and Sunny Deol's "Border 2", noting that the films' performance indicated that Bollywood is "back" and that audiences are willing to go to cinemas for films they connect with emotionally.

Johar's announcement comes at a time when the impact of social media on mental health is increasingly under scrutiny. Experts often suggest taking breaks from social media to reduce stress and anxiety, and to promote a more balanced sense of well-being. For someone as active and engaged on social media as Karan Johar, even a week-long break signifies a substantial shift.

It remains to be seen how Johar will spend his time away from the digital world, but his move has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the importance of digital well-being and the need to disconnect from the constant noise of social media.