“Becoming less proud, more anxious”: TikTok star Emman Atienza opened up about leaving social media prior to her passing

Filipino online influencer Emman Atienza passed away on October 22, 2025. She died at age 19. She had significantly amassed a considerable number of followers on her social media accounts- 260,000 followers on Instagram and 944,000 followers on TikTok. She reportedly committed suicide.

On September 1, the Philippine-born star shared what has come to be regarded as her last message on her Instagram broadcast channel. In the lengthy message, Emman Atienza explained why she began using TikTok in 2015.

“I started posting on TikTok last year as a little diary & as exposure therapy because I was very insecure of my looks and personality for a long time. I wanted to push myself to be authentic & proud. Along the way, many of you found me. It's been a great journey <3”

She continued:

“Not only have I become infinitely more confident, secure, and authentic, I've also met so many amazing people along the way. I gained traction pretty quickly & had almost a million followers too, which is very cool. I’m so grateful.”

Emman also discussed the challenges of being an online figure and how she battled negativism.

“Don't get me wrong, I can handle hate. I’ve gotten death threats from DDS everyday, misogynists in my comments telling me I’m stupid, burner accounts of high school bullies trying to egg me on. None of that has really phased me that much.”

However, she revealed that the constant hate had taken a toll on her.

“But 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. I catch myself checking my notifications every few minutes, hyper aware of every little thing about me.”

Towards the end of the video, she said she would deactivate her TikTok account because she was “becoming less proud, more anxious.”

She concluded:

“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.”

More details on Emman Atienza’s passing

Emman Atienza was the daughter of TV personality Kim Atienza and his wife Felicia. Her parents announced her passing in a statement shared on Instagram on October 24, 2025.

Her mum wrote:

“It's with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our daughter and sister, Emman.”

She continued:

“She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her. Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn't afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.”

She concluded the statement:

“To honor Emman's memory, we hope you carry forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life.”

Emman Atienza was one of three siblings, including Jose III and Eliana.

Read more: Who was Emman Atienza? All about social media star as she passes away at 19

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