Selena Gomez, with 300m followers, hasn’t used Instagram herself in over four years

Actor/singer shared how stepping away from the internet has had a positive impact on her life

Singer and actor Selena Gomez recently revealed, in what may come as a surprise to her 300 million Instagram followers, that she hasn’t personally used the photo sharing app in over four years. In an interview with Good Morning America, the Only Murders in the Building actor shared that not using the app has done wonders for her mental health.

Speaking about her decision to step away from social media, Selena shared, “It has changed my life completely.” Adding how it has positively impacted her, she added, “I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people. It makes me feel normal.” 

She added, "I understand how powerful the internet is, and in so many ways it's done the best things for the world. But for me, I get to my news that is actually through people in my life."

Selena recently founded the mental health platform Wondermind, which she hopes will provide a space for people “to feel okay and to feel understood”. The actor herself has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Explaining how she “grew up in the spotlight”, the actor revealed she had to take the “necessary steps” for her wellbeing. While Selena curates the posts, she has a dedicated team managing her social media presence.

The actor shared in a previous interview with InStyle about how Instgram led to her forming warped beauty standards. She explained, “The older I got, the more I evolved and realised that I needed to take control of what I was feeling. I wanted to be able to look in the mirror and feel confident to be who I am.” She added, “Taking a break from social media was the best decision that I’ve ever made for my mental health.”

In an interview with Dazed magazine following the release of her album Rare in 2020, Selena shared how paying too much attention to online opinions regarding her work and life lead her to feel “insecure” and “empty”. She shared, "When I found out that Rare was getting great reviews I appreciated hearing it but I just can’t pay attention. The moment I do I start getting insecure and I just feel empty."