Essena O’Neill simply can’t stop crying.
The wildly popular Instagram star quit all forms of social media earlier this week, with the exception of Vimeo… and then posted a new video on that latter account in order to thank fans for their support.
"I don’t ever think I’ve been happier than this moment," O’Neill says through a bucket of tears.
"I was scared that no one wants to hear the truth, that everyone’s going to think I’m an attention-seeker, that I’m just complaining. But this message that likes, followers, views – that we’re more than a number – it’s going global."
O’Neill got off Twitter, Instagram and Facebook because she wants to believe there’s more to life than Likes.
"I am just so grateful to think of how many young men and women might see this movement and stop limiting themselves to artificial ideas of happiness online," she added as a caption to this Vimeo footage.
Prior to leaving the World Wide Web, O’Beill renamed her Instagram account “Social Media Is Not Real Life” and even launched a website (LetsBeGameChangers.com) that pushes for awareness and change.
In one since-deleted bikini photo, for example, Essena explained:
“NOT REAL LIFE – took over 100 in similar poses trying to make my stomach look good. Would have hardly eaten that day. Would have yelled at my little sister to keep taking them until I was somewhat proud of this. Yep so totally #goals."
Watch the emotional video before and tip your figurative cap to O’Neill.
How many other online users would be able to withdraw from this world and realize that their self-worth should not be tied to their Facebook friends?