Cara Delevingne on trying to stay away from social media: ‘This algorithm wasn’t made for good things’

Cara Delevingne first encountered L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Valor program a few years ago when she attended its annual gala for the first time.

“It was one of the most inspiring, emotional, and simply wonderful nights I’ve ever experienced, something I truly didn’t expect,” she says. “I know how incredible L’Oréal is in supporting causes, especially those I care about, but this one in particular really touched me. I think I cried, laughed, and had incredible conversations during the dinner.”

“I think especially right now, there’s so much bad news that there aren’t conversations around people who are doing great, amazing things and uplifting those people and highlighting those people,” Delevingne continues. “I think it is something…we need so badly.”

Since its launch in 2005, Women of Worth has grown into a nationwide movement, recognizing 200 women by providing them with mentorship and grants, community and national visibility for their grassroots efforts.

Delevingne has teamed up with L’Oreal — she’s a L’Oréal Paris ambassador  — ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 to talk about the importance of uplifting women’s voices and causes.

The model and actress is currently focusing on issues related to mental health and marginalized communities. “We’re laughing and joking around a lot right now by saying, ‘Everything’s on fire,’” she said. “It’s become this dark humor around the fact that no one’s feeling great…Mental health is so important right now, being able to do good for yourself so you can do good by other people.”

When she’s having a “shitty day,” Delevingne will scroll GoFundMe pages: “I like seeing an actual dent that you can make to help someone.”

Conversations around mental health must include discussions about social media, Delevingne says. “That algorithm is not meant for good things,” she says. “I haven’t gotten to the point where I’ve deleted Instagram off my phone yet, but I’m constantly working on self-control because I find myself going on there without even realizing I am…It’s terrifying.”

She works hard on course correcitng her algorithm. “I do follow a lot of accounts about doing good things and good news,” Delevingne says. “There’s this one account for good news about women. That always makes me happy because I feel like when the pendulum is swinging so far the other way — women’s rights are getting taken away, people of color or the queer community — we have to try and push it the other way. If I’m constantly in fear, then I just don’t leave the house, which then nothing is ever going to get done.”

Nominations are currently open for L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth program for 2026 until March 8.

Via: Variety