Following the heartbreaking news of Emman Atienza’s passing, netizens revisited what would become one of the 19-year-old content creator’s final public messages — a deeply personal reflection on social media pressure and mental health.
In a post shared through her Instagram broadcast channel on September 1, Emman explained why she decided to deactivate her TikTok account, where she had built a strong following for her outspoken yet thoughtful content.
“Some of you guys messaged me asking where my TikTok account is, if I got banned, if I deleted it, etc. and I just wanted to update saying I deactivated it,” Emman began.
She admitted that the constant negativity online had taken a toll on her emotional well-being.
“I feel like the hate has piled up in my head subconsciously. Every time I post, I feel excited but also anxious and dreadful knowing there’s going to be some hate I’ll have to force myself to ignore,” she wrote. “I catch myself checking my notifications every few minutes, hyper aware of every little thing about me.”
Emman went on to share that she had been contemplating a break from social media for months to “reset” and “clear her head.”
“For the past month or two, I’ve been debating a break. […] So today I finally decided to deactivate my account I’m not sure when I’ll come back. Maybe in a few days, maybe a few months. Just until I can recollect my thoughts, reset my values, & clear my head of the dread. Just need to breathe a bit & take a break,” she said.
Her words have since taken on a haunting resonance, as many fans expressed sorrow and empathy over what she had been going through.
Earlier today, October 24, Emman’s mother Felicia Hung Atienza confirmed her daughter’s unexpected passing in a joint Instagram post with husband and broadcaster Kim Atienza.
“It’s with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our daughter and sister, Emman,” the family’s statement read. “She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her. She wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.”
The Atienza family also encouraged the public to remember Emman by living with “compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness” in their daily lives.
Emman, a Sparkle GMA talent and mental health advocate, used her platform to promote empathy and authenticity online. She was also known for candidly addressing social issues and for defending her family amid online criticism.
She was 19 years old.
May she rest in peace.
