Hey, guess who’s back in Internet-Town?

Essena O’Neill!

She was the Instagram model who made a sizable fortune from her Insta-fame, only to then Insta-shame the very system that made her famous? Mmm hmm? Yeah?

Well. She’s BACK.

Upon hearing word that Essena was reaching out to her mourning fanbase, I checked her Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr AND Website pages for signs of life. Nothing.

And then a little birdy told me the Essena had actually sent an email to her followers. An email!

Tres retro, babe.

If you are looking for Essena O’Neill, then please come back later. She is writing a book.

In the

book

lengthy email, Essena fills us in on her new life in the real world, where she is working in a pub, hanging out with non-famous buddies, and writing a book.

“I had the problem,” she wrote.

“I was suffering. I shared that. It went viral. I had no control. I became a trend and a way to guarantee views.

“For me the internet right now does not feel healthy.

“I’m getting a job at a local bar.

“I’m writing each day.

“I’m seeing a therapist. I’m not ashamed of that and I encourage anyone if they feel down or are stuck in a negative mindset to seek professional help.”

The whole thing gave the distinct impression that Essena suffered greatly at the hand of viral fame, and you know what?

Regardless of her untimely return to the very Internet she swore off – that sucks.

(You can read the full email she sent here .)

Essena, as someone who also fought the good fight at your age, as a young writer online, I thought I’d share a few tips on surviving the merciless world of digital existence with a shred of integrity still intact*. (Should you be intending to stick around after all.)

6,209 word email aside, we have a feeling The World’s Longest Goodbye has something good behind it, Essena. Keep up your dabbling in the real world – it’s pretty good out here.

*This does not include my Myspace or 2001 Tumblr page. That’s a noose I’ll never escape!