Roots in a Viral Mom Group Confession (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
Ashley French, the actress and entrepreneur formerly known as Ashley Tisdale, detailed in a recent blog post the profound benefits she experiences from stepping away from social media.[1][2]
Roots in a Viral Mom Group Confession
French captured widespread attention earlier this year with her essay in The Cut titled “Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group.” She described joining a group of new mothers shortly after her first daughter’s birth during the pandemic.[3] What began as a supportive network for sharing parenting tips quickly devolved into high school-like exclusion, with French noticing her absence from group events through Instagram posts.
She confronted the dynamic via group text, stating, “This is too high school for me and I don’t want to take part in it anymore.”[3] The piece, published on January 1, 2026, sparked online speculation about celebrity involvement, though French named no one. Rumors swirled around figures like Hilary Duff, but her representatives denied any direct connection.[4]
A Timely Blog Post on Digital Overload
On February 23, French released “Does Your Brain Feel Too Busy? Take a Social Media Break” on her site, By Ashley French. She acknowledged social media’s appeal while emphasizing its limitations. “I love social media in a lot of ways. It can be inspiring, funny, and a great way to stay connected. But I don’t think it’s where we’re meant to live our lives, which is why I take regular breaks,” she wrote.[1]
The post arrived amid lingering discussions from her mom group revelations, though French focused on personal habits rather than drama. She highlighted how breaks restored her focus, allowing her to stay informed through traditional news rather than algorithmic feeds.[4]
Key Benefits French Describes
French shared specific ways social media detachment improved her daily life. She no longer viewed moments through a posting lens, such as instinctively thinking, “This would be such a good Instagram picture” instead of savoring the light or sweetness of the scene.
- Greater presence with friends and children, free from phone distractions.
- Escape from automatic habits like wondering, “Wait, did I already post today?”
- Relief from information overload, including unsolicited outrage and fear-mongering content.
- A “gift of perspective” from her first break, enhancing overall well-being.
- Better moments without posing casually at arm’s length for photos.
These insights resonated as she navigated public scrutiny following her essay.[1]
Broader Echoes in Celebrity Circles
The mom group essay prompted responses from those rumored to be involved. Hilary Duff addressed the buzz publicly, framing such friendships as natural drifts rather than feuds. Sources described the split as a misalignment of values among ambitious mothers building brands alongside family life.
French’s social media advice extended a theme from her writings, including a December 2025 post urging mothers to leave unsupportive groups. She advised, “You deserve to go through motherhood with people who actually, you know, like you.”[3]
Key Takeaways from French’s Message:
- Prioritize real-life presence over curated online shares.
- Curate information intake to avoid mental fatigue.
- Embrace breaks for renewed clarity and connection.
Ashley French’s words remind parents everywhere that logging off can reclaim what matters most. What steps do you take for digital balance? Share in the comments.
