Jenna Ortega has highlighted the difficulties young people face in forming their identities today due to the overwhelming presence of social media. In a recent interview with the BBC, the actress addressed how Gen Z’s sense of self is complicated by the constant flood of voices and opinions encountered online.
Ortega discussed how much of young people’s interaction now happens in virtual spaces rather than face-to-face, altering the way communities are created and maintained. She contrasted this with past generations, noting the loss of direct, personal connections in everyday life.
From Neighborhood Bonds to Online Isolation
The actress reflected on stories from previous decades where neighbors knew each other well, and children freely roamed neighborhoods, fostering organic social bonds. Ortega observed,
“I wasn’t around in the ’70s, but I hear stories of people knocking on their neighbors’ doors and the bikes going all throughout the city, and just expecting to meet someone at a certain time on a certain location,”
—Jenna Ortega
She contrasted this with current times by adding,
“People don’t talk to each other in person. They’re interacting and finding their community online, which can be very isolating.”
—Jenna Ortega
Finding One’s Voice Amid Endless Opinions
Jenna Ortega addressed the pressure young people face to distinguish their own voices amidst the endless feedback and judgments they encounter online. This digital saturation complicates the internal journey of self-discovery for many.
She explained,
“There are so many voices and so many opinions that you’re exposed to, much more than you would typically be, or that humans are kind of meant to be exposed to,”
—Jenna Ortega
Continuing, she shared the struggle of standing out in this disorder:
“So, I think it’s harder to find a sense of self. Young people are struggling to find, ‘What makes my voice stand out? What is it about me in this world and this society today that gives me a sense of purpose or control or authority?'”
—Jenna Ortega
The Addams Family’s Role as a Symbol of Authenticity
Ortega also linked the continuing appeal of her character Wednesday Addams to this theme of seeking genuine self-expression and belonging. She pointed out that the Addams family represents a supportive environment where individuality is celebrated and nurtured.
She said,
“There’s great comfort in seeing people who are so obviously themselves, freely, and place priority where it matters, and that’s your family, that’s who’s in front of you, your special interests, that’s your strength and your courage and your confidence in your voice,”
—Jenna Ortega
Emphasizing the importance of resisting herd mentality, she added,
“It’s very easy now to get swept up in some sort of sheep mentality, and I think it’s so important for young people to see this family now more than ever,”
—Jenna Ortega
Looking Ahead: New Season Release Dates
The second season of Wednesday is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 6, with the second part becoming available on September 3. As Ortega returns in this role, the show continues to resonate strongly with viewers who relate to its themes of identity and belonging.
