Lili Reinhart Admits She Doesn't Remember Much of Her Riverdale Days: 'Traumatic'

Lili Reinhart, the actress who played Betty Cooper in the teen series Riverdale, revealed that she does not remember much of her seven seasons on the show. In an interview on the In Your Dreams podcast, she called the experience "traumatic," which is why her memories of the 2017–2023 period are blurred.

Reinhart, now 30, explained that Riverdale's fame took off so quickly and placed its cast under an intense pop culture spotlight. "I'm so grateful TikTok wasn't around when that was happening to me," she said, adding that she still enjoys the app and spends about an hour a day watching videos there.

Though she said she likes TikTok, Reinhart believes the platform makes everything seem bigger than it should be. She feels deep empathy for young actors in their 20s who now star in popular series and get "blown up" on TikTok. "No one deserves that many people commenting on your existence. It's too much," she said.

The impact of that iconic role is also felt in everyday interactions. Reinhart is often called "Betty" by people around her, something she sometimes wants to avoid. Still, she always remembers that the greeting comes from affection. "That is what people know me most for, but I have the rest of my career to keep working and it doesn't hold me back," she added.

"I feel so lucky to have been on Riverdale—the impact it had on viewers and pop culture is so big that the association will always stick with you throughout your career."

— Lili Reinhart

Reinhart's admission highlights the dark side of the global entertainment industry, which is increasingly relevant in Indonesia. At home, a similar phenomenon affects young soap opera and film stars who suddenly go viral on social media. The pressure to always look perfect, plus uncontrolled netizen comments, can trigger mental health problems. Some young Indonesian actors have even chosen to take a break from entertainment to protect their sanity.

Clinical psychologists say massive social media exposure can worsen anxiety and depression among young celebrities. They recommend psychological support and strict social media management, especially for those just starting their careers. In Indonesia, several production houses have begun providing counselors for teenage cast members, though the practice has yet to become an industry standard.

Going forward, the question is how far the entertainment industry—both global and domestic—can protect the mental health of its young stars amid the relentless onslaught of digital platforms. Without systematic measures, the traumatic cycle Reinhart experienced could repeat for the next generation of actors.