'You' star Shay Mitchell relate negative effect of social media

Canadian-Filipina actress Shay Mitchell says her latest Netflix series You somehow shows the reality about people who actively use social media.

“It's interesting because I've said this before but there's so many people that can fall in love and be obsessed with somebody who they've never even met before,” said Shay who met the Philippine media at the event called In Conversation with YOU at The Peninsula Manila earlier, January 14.

Shay and her co-star, You lead actor Penn Badgley, are currently in the country to promote their Netflix series.

You shows the story of a bookstore manager Joe Goldberg (played Penn), who falls in love with writer Beck (played Elizabeth Lai). To win her heart, Joe stalks Beck, both on social media and in real life, he observes her daily life from afar, which leads to an obsession.

The 31-year-old actress noted, “That's the world we live in now, you get to know all this information that that person is putting out there and making out who this person in your mind to be this imaginary vision.

“I mean, I completely get it when people become fascinated with people because you feel you get to know them with what they put out there.”

However, Shay was quick to clarify that social media was not all that bad, especially when used properly.

The former Pretty Little Liar star stressed, “I think as long as you can use it and you know that the images that you've seen are people's highlight reels, it's not reality.

“You know, it's the best of the best moment of that day that's been curated, perfected, and filtered a million times. If you can go into it knowing that, then, you can use it appropriately.”

Meanwhile, Shay said she feels awesome to be part of this American psychological thriller.

“We had such a great time shooting it,” she said.

“Personally, as soon as I read the script, I don't care if I'm part of this or not, I can't wait for the show to come out.

“It just had all elements of what makes a really good show.

“Then, shooting it, we just had so much fun. It went by so quick.

“Now, everyone's able to enjoy it and I'm also excited to be able to relive it again. My friends and family were all watching.”

She also noted how much fun it was shooting the scenes with Penn.

“I remember reading some of the scenes with Penn's character, Joe, and Peach, and just imagining how we'll play that.

“Honestly, being on the set and getting to work with Penn, my first time, was 10 times more fun.

“It's funny because, I mean, I literally have to kill him with my eyes. It was a lot of fun.”

Shay and Penn are meeting their Pinoy fans tomorrow afternoon, January 15, at a pop-up "Mooney's bookstore" at The Greenbelt Gallery, Greenbelt 5, Makati.