Why I quit social media

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. Rice and his long-term partner Lauren Fryer have both been targeted by online abuse. Fryer deleted all posts from her Instagram account in 2024 after receiving sustained harassment about her appearance.

Speaking to GQ Magazine after being named one of their Men of the Year, Rice said:

“I feel like that’s one of my strongest points… the ability to block out noise and not deal with that kind of stuff.”

“Screen time, for me, isn’t a big thing,” he added.

“I think social media for kids is 100 per cent a problem. I don’t feel like there’s as much personality now as there was a few years ago.”

Rice’s decision reflects a growing trend among high-profile athletes who are choosing to protect their mental wellbeing by stepping back from the toxicity that often accompanies public platforms.

The Premier League winner will turn his attention to England action as the Three Lions face Croatia and Spain in UEFA Nations League action on November 12 and 15.