Why Ashley Tisdale Favors ‘Regular Breaks’ From Social Media Amid Toxic Mom Group Drama

Ashley Tisdale has had a rough start on social media this year, but she's making it clear she knows when to step away.

On New Year's Day, the actress published an essay for The Cut, opening up about her experience in a tight-knit circle of moms she described as toxic and isolating.

The piece quickly went viral after fans speculated Hilary Duffwas part of the group, fueling controversy. Amid the noise, Tisdale says she regularly disconnects from social media.

In a new blog post titled “Does Your Brain Feel Too Busy? Take A Social Media Break,” the “High School Musical” alum opened up about another aspect of her life, admitting that she constantly disconnects from social media. 

“I love social media in a lot of ways. It can be inspiring, funny, and a great way to stay connected,” Tisdale wrote. “But I don't think it's where we're meant to live our lives, which is why I take regular breaks.”

She explained that the time offline feels like a reminder to live in the moment instead of mentally brainstorming what to post.

She disclosed that always being online put her in a mode where, instead of experiencing moments naturally, her mind would immediately filter everything, whether it’s suitable to post.

According to Tisdale, unplugging from the internet gives her the space to focus on her children and friendships.

The 40-year-old also addressed how overwhelming the constant stream of information can be. “You can open your phone without thinking and suddenly be absorbing outrage and fear, usually without looking for it,” she shared.

Reflecting on her first time taking a social media break, she added, “I got the gift of perspective. I could still care and stay informed —but on my own terms.”

Tisdale updated her followers about her blog post, sharing the link on her Instagram stories alongside a photo of her in pajamas.

Tisdale’s candid reflections come a few days after Duff responded to the speculations of being in the alleged toxic mom group. 

While the “Lizzie McGuire” star acknowledged that she is no stranger to controversies, she accused social media of escalating Tisdale’s claims with half-truths and lies and clickbait. 

She recalled being taken aback by one shocking allegation.  “I saw something that was like, 'None of the moms at school actually like her, and neither do the teachers,' and I was like, ‘First of all…’” Duff debunked, insisting that she loves the women at school. 

Before Duff confronted the drama, it had already spilled into her personal life and had her close relationships taking sides. 

According to The Blast, Hilary’s estranged sister, Haylie, appeared to support Tisdale when she liked her revealing essay. 

Days later, she shared a picture capturing a playdate between her daughter and Tisdale’s kid, which Tisdale later reposted to her Instagram stories. 

As Duff has now blamed the escalation of the drama on social media, perhaps her accusations are not far-fetched. Shortly after Tisdale’s article dropped, speculations rose about the members of the circle.

As The Blast reported, internet users began picking out clues from Tisdale’s social media trail. One detail that caught attention was Tisdale's following list. 

Fans noticed the “Phineas and Ferb” voice actress had unfollowed both Mandy Moore and Duff, fueling further assumptions.

However, Tisdale’s rep tried to shut down the rumors, clarifying that the essay was not about Duff or Moore.

As the online debate continued, additional voices entered the conversation. According to The Blast, attorney Michael Parker, who represented Lisa Gonzales in a car accident lawsuit involving Tisdale, revisited his experience working on the case.

Parker alleged that the former Disney star was "extremely rude" in her interactions with his client and suggested she avoid taking responsibility.

He claimed that after Gonzales informed Tisdale of her injuries at the scene, the actress appeared dismissive and said her manager would follow up regarding the incident. Parker further alleged that no such outreach ever occurred.