Ella Dvornik: 'People are wasting time writing to someone that they are stupid, and they could be wasting time getting smarter'

Ella Dvornik, a Croatian influencer known for her candid commentary on social media’s impact on modern life, has expressed growing concerns over the reliance on digital platforms for both income and identity. In a recent episode of the podcast Offline with host Ivan Rožić, she openly discussed how social media functions as a dual-edged sword, both a career and a space for communication, yet also a constant battleground of opinions, criticisms, and expectations. She emphasized that while these platforms have become integral to many lives, they are increasingly becoming a source of stress rather than empowerment. Dvornik, who has long relied on social media for financial stability, acknowledges that her dependence on these platforms is diminishing. She now considers the possibility of transitioning to a more traditional, offline job, one that would offer her greater financial security and freedom from the pressures of public perception. “I don’t want to rely on social media for my work,” she stated. “Sometimes I just wish for a simple, routine job. Honestly, it feels like a break.” Her comments reflect a broader shift among creators who are beginning to question whether their livelihoods should be tied to the unpredictable nature of online visibility. In discussing the challenges of navigating social media, Dvornik highlighted the tendency of users to comment on things they do not fully understand, often under the anonymity of the internet. “People aren’t all qualified to comment on everything,” she remarked. While she admits to occasionally reacting to provocative content, she has learned to distance herself from such interactions. “If I see something that provokes me, I stop and tell myself it isn’t part of my life. I don’t belong to that group, and it’s not my place to comment.” One of Dvornik’s most enduring lessons comes from her father, Din Dvornik, whose advice continues to guide her. He once told her, “If someone tells you you can’t do something, better they stay silent. Because then you’ll see how much you can.” This philosophy has shaped her approach to both personal and professional challenges, reinforcing her belief in self-reliance and resilience. As a mother, Dvornik has also spoken candidly about the role of technology in children's lives. Her daughters use smartphones, watch YouTube videos, and play games like Minecraft, but they avoid platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. She sees no inherent harm in mobile devices themselves, emphasizing instead the importance of how children use them. “The phone itself isn’t bad, it’s just a medium,” she explained. “What matters is what the child does with it.” She finds Minecraft particularly valuable because it encourages creativity, allowing children to build worlds and collaborate with others. At the same time, Dvornik believes parents today sometimes overprotect their children, shielding them from necessary experiences. “If a child doesn’t learn that falling is dangerous, they’ll never know it’s dangerous,” she said. Her goal is not to impose rigid expectations on her children but to encourage them to find their own paths. “I won’t fix their complexes through them. I’ll let them go wherever life leads them.” She also cautioned against placing too much pressure on young people to become influencers or professionals. “I don’t expect them to be influencers, nor do I expect them to be doctors,” she said. Her focus is on helping them discover their own direction, free from external validation. For Dvornik, the lifestyle of an influencer carries its own set of uncertainties. Despite the allure of online fame, she notes that it often lacks the stability of a regular job. “Maybe I’ll still be in fashion next month. Maybe not. And then what?” she asked, highlighting the precariousness of relying solely on social media for income. Currently, Dvornik is exploring new opportunities beyond the digital sphere. She has hinted at potential plans for October, though she has chosen to keep the details private. “I can’t tell you. If I do, people will send negative energy,” she said. The specifics remain undisclosed, but she has confirmed that something is likely to happen before the end of the month.