Social media can be a toxic place for so many people. Instagram has been linked to detrimental impacts on youth mental health and countries are starting to pressure the platform to do something to protect them. Selena Gomez is familiar with this side of social media and opened up in a recent interview with InStyle.
The singer and actress has been a vocal and visible advocate in the fight to normalize conversations about mental health. And Gomez is no stranger to having people talk about her and her journey to a better and more fulfilled life. Part of that journey was taking a break from social media.
“At one point Instagram became my whole world, and it was really dangerous. In my early 20s, I felt like I wasn‘t pretty enough,” Gomez told InStyle. “Taking a break from social media was the best decision that I’ve ever made for my mental health. I created a system where I still don‘t have my passwords. And the unnecessary hate and comparisons went away once I put my phone down.”
Gomez was once the most followed person on Instagram and the pressure of such a public persona started to affect the young star. Her battle with mental health and social media opened her eyes to the need for unapologetic self-care.
“I’m a big believer in therapy, and I always feel so confident when I’m taking care of myself,” Gomez told InStyle. “If I’m not in the best headspace and my friends invite me out, I won’t go. I’ve lost my sense of FOMO, which I’m proud of.”
Way to go, Selena Gomez. The world can always use more role models for self-care and mental health awareness.