Scarlett Johansson Takes a Stand Against AI & Instagram—Why She’s Fighting Back

Scarlett Johansson continues to resist the ever-growing pressure to join social media, even as Hollywood studios increasingly encourage her to promote her films online. In a candid interview for InStyle, Johansson shared that she regularly receives requests from film studios, including a recent one from Universal Pictures, urging her to create an Instagram account to promote her upcoming projects, such as Jurassic World: Rebirth. Despite these persistent requests, Johansson remains steadfast in her decision to stay off social media.

“I mean, even today, I got an email from Universal, and they’re like, ‘Hey, would you consider joining Instagram in tandem with the release of Jurassic World: Rebirth?’ I get a lot of pressure to join social media,” Johansson revealed. However, she emphasized that joining the platform did not align with her personal values. “Is there a way I could do this and stay true to who I am? It didn’t feel like I could,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to authenticity in all aspects of her life and career.

Johansson further expressed that her work is always rooted in truth and that, while she could understand the appeal of social media for some, it was not something she genuinely enjoyed. “The work that I put out there is all based in truth. That’s the key ingredient. So if I was a person who really enjoyed social media, then I could totally get on the bandwagon. But I’m not. And I think the film will do fine,” she said, reiterating her belief that her projects can succeed without the need for online promotion.

On AI, Privacy, and Fame

In addition to discussing social media, Johansson also addressed more serious issues like privacy and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in relation to her ongoing legal action against OpenAI for allegedly using a voice resembling hers. “Particularly with the A.I. piece. It was like: If that can happen to me, how are we going to protect ourselves from this? There’s no boundary here; we’re setting ourselves up to be taken advantage of,” Johansson said, expressing concern over the lack of regulation and the potential for exploitation in the AI industry.

The actress also opened up about her stance on public interactions, especially with fans. Johansson explained that while she appreciates her supporters, she does not engage in taking photos with fans when she’s out in public. “It really offends a lot of people. It doesn’t mean I’m not appreciative, of course, that people are fans, or happy to see me. But I always say to people, ‘I’m not working.’ [And that means] I don’t want to be identified as being in this time and place with you. I’m doing my own thing.”

Johansson also reflected on her own struggles with fame, drawing a parallel with singer Chappell Roan’s challenges. “I like to be in my own thoughts that have nothing to do with what other people think of me … I don’t like being self-conscious,” she confessed, adding that she resonated with Roan’s personal battles with fame, particularly after the artist’s rise to prominence.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Despite her reservations about social media, Johansson’s upcoming role in Jurassic World: Rebirth has garnered significant attention. The fourth film in the Jurassic World franchise, which also stars Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, is set to hit theaters on July 2, 2025. In the film, Johansson plays a scientist on a mission to retrieve genetic samples from three of the largest dinosaurs across land, sea, and air, set five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion (2022). As anticipation for the film grows, Johansson’s choice to stay away from social media has only highlighted her unique approach to fame in an industry where online presence is often seen as a necessity.

As Scarlett Johansson continues to navigate the pressures of Hollywood, she remains committed to staying true to herself, balancing her public career with her private life, and advocating for privacy in an increasingly connected world. With her upcoming projects and her staunch position on social media, Johansson proves that success can come on her own terms.