Social media has really been terrible for my generation: Selena Gomez
The US pop singer says it's dangerous and contributes to a world of disinformation and bullying.
PHOTO: FILE
Selena Gomez is not okay with social media platforms as of late. The U.S. pop singer and actress is warning against networking sites such as Instagram and their detrimental effect on young people, saying they could be dangerous and contribute to a world of disinformation and bullying.
“Social media has really been terrible for my generation,” Gomez told a news conference in Cannes.
The 26-year-old is promoting upcoming zombie movie The Dead Don't Die alongside actors Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton at the French Riviera.
When asked about the impending threats she and the other cast members saw to the planet, Selena added: “I understand that it’s amazing to use your platform, but it does scare me when you see how exposed these young girls and young boys are, and they are not really aware of the news or anything going on. … I think it’s dangerous, for sure. I don’t think people are getting the right information sometimes.”
The zombie comedy takes aim at deniers of climate change and pokes fun at the woes of an overly materialistic society. This includes a hilarious gag about smart-phone bearing zombies searching for a Wi-Fi connection - something we can all relate to.
The Disney Star, who was the long-time girlfriend of singer Justin Bieber, is one of the world's most watched Instagram stars. In fact, she is the third most followed person on the photo-sharing social site. However, she is known to have taken breaks from the platform.
Asked what more she could do to improve the social media environment, given her 150 million and counting followers, Gomez said it is "impossible" at this point to make it safe.
She also said she tries to be conscious when posting on Instagram, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on her fans.
"I'm very grateful I have the platform in any way, I can still share things I'm passionate about," she said. "I don't do a lot of pointless pictures. I like to be intentional with it."
"I see these young girls, I'll meet them and they're just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice."
Gomez also called on people to take breaks in social media use: "It can be great in moments, but I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not."
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
“Social media has really been terrible for my generation,” Gomez told a news conference in Cannes.
The 26-year-old is promoting upcoming zombie movie The Dead Don't Die alongside actors Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton at the French Riviera.
When asked about the impending threats she and the other cast members saw to the planet, Selena added: “I understand that it’s amazing to use your platform, but it does scare me when you see how exposed these young girls and young boys are, and they are not really aware of the news or anything going on. … I think it’s dangerous, for sure. I don’t think people are getting the right information sometimes.”
The zombie comedy takes aim at deniers of climate change and pokes fun at the woes of an overly materialistic society. This includes a hilarious gag about smart-phone bearing zombies searching for a Wi-Fi connection - something we can all relate to.
The Disney Star, who was the long-time girlfriend of singer Justin Bieber, is one of the world's most watched Instagram stars. In fact, she is the third most followed person on the photo-sharing social site. However, she is known to have taken breaks from the platform.
Asked what more she could do to improve the social media environment, given her 150 million and counting followers, Gomez said it is "impossible" at this point to make it safe.
She also said she tries to be conscious when posting on Instagram, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on her fans.
"I'm very grateful I have the platform in any way, I can still share things I'm passionate about," she said. "I don't do a lot of pointless pictures. I like to be intentional with it."
"I see these young girls, I'll meet them and they're just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice."
Gomez also called on people to take breaks in social media use: "It can be great in moments, but I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not."
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.