Selena Gomez, one of today’s most influential artists, has announced her departure from social media following a barrage of criticism about her body and appearance. In a candid interview on the podcast “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” the singer and actress opened up about the harsh comments she faces online, shedding light on how such pressures disproportionately affect women in the entertainment industry. Her decision, she explained, is a deliberate step to safeguard her mental health in an increasingly toxic digital landscape.
At 32, Selena Gomez is no stranger to these challenges. In October 2023, she briefly stepped away from online platforms for similar reasons, but this time, she’s taken a more decisive action: removing all social media apps from her phone entirely. “I don’t have anything on my phone right now,” she revealed, underscoring that while she values the reach of these platforms, the toll of personal attacks has become overwhelming. For Gomez, the criticism extends beyond her weight to broader issues of identity, such as not being “white enough” or “Mexican enough.”
During the podcast, she highlighted a stark disparity in how men and women are judged in the spotlight. “Nobody cares about this kind of thing when it comes to men,” she stated, pointing to a societal double standard that imposes unrealistic beauty ideals on female public figures. Her words resonate with a larger issue faced by celebrities, particularly in the age of social media, where constant visibility amplifies scrutiny over physical appearance.
Aesthetic pressure and the burden of fame for women
Selena Gomez’s weight has once again become a target of cruel online remarks, an issue she described as a “big problem” in her life. Despite her efforts to tune out the negativity, she admits it sometimes gets through. “Most of the time, I ignore everything, but it ends up hitting me occasionally,” she confessed. This vulnerability, she noted, peaks during preparations for public events, where the expectation to look flawless is relentless. “When I get ready for an event, 90% of the time I’m thinking: ‘I just hope I can take the picture and sit down,’” she shared.
Her choice to abandon social media isn’t a knee-jerk reaction but part of a broader strategy to cope with the psychological strain of such attacks. Gomez has been vocal about her battles with anxiety and depression, conditions that can worsen with negative online interactions. By removing the apps from her phone, she’s creating a shield against digital harassment—a move echoed by other stars like Demi Lovato and Lizzo during their own crises.
This step reflects a growing trend among celebrities striving to balance fame with emotional well-being. For Gomez, social media offers positives like fan engagement and project promotion, but the personal cost often outweighs the gains. “I understand the power of social media. It’s just complicated,” she mused, capturing the duality of a tool that can both uplift and devastate.
Thriving career amid relentless criticism
Even as she navigates these personal struggles, Selena Gomez’s career remains on an upward trajectory. She recently released the album “I Said I Love You First” with her fiancé, Benny Blanco, earning praise from peers like Taylor Swift. The couple also purchased a $35 million mansion in Beverly Hills, marking a period of professional and personal triumphs. Yet, despite these achievements, the criticism of her appearance persists, underscoring how public scrutiny spares no one.
The new album, delving into themes of love and vulnerability, has been described by Gomez as a mirror of her “past, present, and future.” Featuring collaborations with artists like Charli XCX and Gracie Abrams, it hit streaming platforms in March and ranks among the year’s musical standouts. Meanwhile, her role in “Only Murders in the Building” continues to garner acclaim, and her performance in “Emília Pérez” has earned award nods, despite some controversy surrounding the film.
However, these successes don’t shield her from judgment about her body. Over the years, Gomez’s physical changes—often tied to her lupus diagnosis in 2013 and a kidney transplant in 2017—have been dissected online. These health factors are rarely acknowledged by detractors, who focus solely on aesthetics, overlooking the broader context of her journey.
How social media fuels the issue
Social media has revolutionized celebrity-fan interactions but also unleashed unprecedented levels of harassment. For Selena Gomez, comments about her weight and looks have intensified in recent months, particularly after public appearances and photos with Benny Blanco surfaced. This constant exposure, experts say, can take a severe toll on self-esteem and mental health.
Research highlights that famous women face far more online attacks related to appearance than men. A Ditch the Label study found that 87% of women surveyed experienced some form of cyberbullying, often targeting weight, clothing, or physical features. With over 400 million Instagram followers—one of the platform’s largest audiences—Gomez’s experience amplifies this reality.
Her exit from social media is a bid to regain control over her narrative. “There are ways to fight this,” she said, signaling that stepping away is a deliberate choice for inner peace. It also sets an example for fans facing similar struggles, proving that even a global star can prioritize self-care amid relentless pressure.
A history of breaks and lessons learned
Selena Gomez has taken multiple breaks from social media before. In October 2023, she vanished from the web temporarily after a similar wave of attacks. Back then, she cited the need to shield herself from toxicity, a pattern repeating now. “I’m not the type to say ‘I hate this,’” she clarified, showing her nuanced stance—she doesn’t reject the platforms outright but seeks balance.
These hiatuses reveal a recurring theme in her story: the need to disconnect to cope with fame’s demands. In 2016, after her lupus diagnosis and mental health struggles, she stepped away from the spotlight for months to recover. Since then, she’s been open about the challenges of living under public scrutiny, especially in the digital era.
This time, removing the apps entirely hints at a longer break. While she hasn’t specified a return date, the move suggests a shift in approach, possibly bolstered by Benny Blanco’s support and the stability their relationship brings. During the podcast, Blanco praised her resilience, offering a glimpse of the strength those close to her admire.
Sexism in the industry and the focus on looks
Addressing the body criticism, Selena Gomez struck a nerve about sexism in entertainment. “Women have much stronger feelings about their appearance,” she observed, noting how beauty standards weigh almost exclusively on them. While male actors are often praised for aging or physical shifts, women face unrelenting judgment, no matter their accomplishments.
This double standard is glaring when comparing Gomez’s experience to that of male peers. Rarely are men critiqued for gaining weight or straying from an ideal, yet female stars like her are perpetually evaluated. “My weight is a big problem too,” she lamented, illustrating how even a star of her stature isn’t immune.
The issue transcends the personal, reflecting a cultural problem amplified by social media, where filters and edits set unattainable benchmarks. For Gomez, who’s shared her post-transplant self-acceptance journey, these attacks are a constant reminder of fame’s steep cost—especially for women.
Impact on fans and music career
Selena Gomez’s social media exit raises questions about fan engagement. With a massive following, she’s long used platforms like Instagram to promote projects and connect personally. The rollout of “I Said I Love You First” featured posts celebrating her work with Blanco, but without direct access, her promotion tactics may shift.
Yet, this move could bolster her image as an authentic figure. Fans have rallied online, praising her bravery in addressing vulnerability. Comments like “she deserves peace” and “no more judgment” flood posts about her, showing her support base remains strong despite her absence.
Musically, the impact should be minimal, as her album with Blanco is already out and thriving. Taylor Swift lauded it as “incredible” in a rare Instagram post, and its mix of personal lyrics and star collaborations keeps it in the spotlight, regardless of Gomez’s online presence.
Timeline of Selena Gomez’s social media breaks
Selena Gomez’s relationship with social media has seen several pauses. Here’s a rundown of key moments:
- 2016: Stepped away for months after lupus diagnosis and mental health challenges.
- October 2023: Took a brief hiatus following body criticism.
- March 2025: Removed apps from her phone, with no return date set.
These breaks highlight her evolving approach to managing fame in the digital age.
Personal life steadied by Benny Blanco
As she steps back from social media, Selena Gomez leans on fiancé Benny Blanco, whom she got engaged to late last year. The couple, behind “I Said I Love You First,” has been hailed as a solid Hollywood duo. Their $35 million Beverly Hills mansion marks a fresh chapter away from virtual chaos.
Blanco, known for hits like “Eastside,” joined her on the podcast, sharing insights into their bond. He called her “shy to the extreme” except around kids and praised her toughness. His support seems key as she navigates this tough period.
Their relationship, public since 2023, quickly grew into an engagement and creative partnership. “Benny, thanks for being my personal diary in this,” Gomez wrote in a pre-exit post, crediting him for aiding her album. This connection may anchor her as she retreats from online noise.
What’s next for Selena online
Though Gomez has left social media for now, her history suggests this isn’t permanent. Past returns brought reflections on her breaks, and this time, the app removal hints at a longer absence—perhaps until she processes recent criticism and reclaims her public voice.
Her career presses on, with “Only Murders in the Building” in its fourth season and “Emília Pérez” stirring debate and praise. Off social media, she can focus on these without online distractions.
Speculation abounds on how she’ll share updates. Her team or Rare Beauty partnerships might handle digital outreach. For now, her silence online reflects a focus on self-preservation.
Fun facts about Selena Gomez’s journey
Selena Gomez’s path is packed with milestones beyond social media. Check out these highlights:
- Disney start: Debuted in “Wizards of Waverly Place” at 15.
- Health spotlight: Diagnosed with lupus in 2013, underwent a kidney transplant in 2017.
- Digital records: Once Instagram’s most-followed person, hitting 400 million followers.
- Music career: Released four studio albums, including “I Said I Love You First.”
These moments showcase her reach and the hurdles she’s overcome.
Keywords

Selena Gomez, one of today’s most influential artists, has announced her departure from social media following a barrage of criticism about her body and appearance. In a candid interview on the podcast “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” the singer and actress opened up about the harsh comments she faces online, shedding light on how such pressures disproportionately affect women in the entertainment industry. Her decision, she explained, is a deliberate step to safeguard her mental health in an increasingly toxic digital landscape.
At 32, Selena Gomez is no stranger to these challenges. In October 2023, she briefly stepped away from online platforms for similar reasons, but this time, she’s taken a more decisive action: removing all social media apps from her phone entirely. “I don’t have anything on my phone right now,” she revealed, underscoring that while she values the reach of these platforms, the toll of personal attacks has become overwhelming. For Gomez, the criticism extends beyond her weight to broader issues of identity, such as not being “white enough” or “Mexican enough.”
During the podcast, she highlighted a stark disparity in how men and women are judged in the spotlight. “Nobody cares about this kind of thing when it comes to men,” she stated, pointing to a societal double standard that imposes unrealistic beauty ideals on female public figures. Her words resonate with a larger issue faced by celebrities, particularly in the age of social media, where constant visibility amplifies scrutiny over physical appearance.
Aesthetic pressure and the burden of fame for women
Selena Gomez’s weight has once again become a target of cruel online remarks, an issue she described as a “big problem” in her life. Despite her efforts to tune out the negativity, she admits it sometimes gets through. “Most of the time, I ignore everything, but it ends up hitting me occasionally,” she confessed. This vulnerability, she noted, peaks during preparations for public events, where the expectation to look flawless is relentless. “When I get ready for an event, 90% of the time I’m thinking: ‘I just hope I can take the picture and sit down,’” she shared.
Her choice to abandon social media isn’t a knee-jerk reaction but part of a broader strategy to cope with the psychological strain of such attacks. Gomez has been vocal about her battles with anxiety and depression, conditions that can worsen with negative online interactions. By removing the apps from her phone, she’s creating a shield against digital harassment—a move echoed by other stars like Demi Lovato and Lizzo during their own crises.
This step reflects a growing trend among celebrities striving to balance fame with emotional well-being. For Gomez, social media offers positives like fan engagement and project promotion, but the personal cost often outweighs the gains. “I understand the power of social media. It’s just complicated,” she mused, capturing the duality of a tool that can both uplift and devastate.
Thriving career amid relentless criticism
Even as she navigates these personal struggles, Selena Gomez’s career remains on an upward trajectory. She recently released the album “I Said I Love You First” with her fiancé, Benny Blanco, earning praise from peers like Taylor Swift. The couple also purchased a $35 million mansion in Beverly Hills, marking a period of professional and personal triumphs. Yet, despite these achievements, the criticism of her appearance persists, underscoring how public scrutiny spares no one.
The new album, delving into themes of love and vulnerability, has been described by Gomez as a mirror of her “past, present, and future.” Featuring collaborations with artists like Charli XCX and Gracie Abrams, it hit streaming platforms in March and ranks among the year’s musical standouts. Meanwhile, her role in “Only Murders in the Building” continues to garner acclaim, and her performance in “Emília Pérez” has earned award nods, despite some controversy surrounding the film.
However, these successes don’t shield her from judgment about her body. Over the years, Gomez’s physical changes—often tied to her lupus diagnosis in 2013 and a kidney transplant in 2017—have been dissected online. These health factors are rarely acknowledged by detractors, who focus solely on aesthetics, overlooking the broader context of her journey.
How social media fuels the issue
Social media has revolutionized celebrity-fan interactions but also unleashed unprecedented levels of harassment. For Selena Gomez, comments about her weight and looks have intensified in recent months, particularly after public appearances and photos with Benny Blanco surfaced. This constant exposure, experts say, can take a severe toll on self-esteem and mental health.
Research highlights that famous women face far more online attacks related to appearance than men. A Ditch the Label study found that 87% of women surveyed experienced some form of cyberbullying, often targeting weight, clothing, or physical features. With over 400 million Instagram followers—one of the platform’s largest audiences—Gomez’s experience amplifies this reality.
Her exit from social media is a bid to regain control over her narrative. “There are ways to fight this,” she said, signaling that stepping away is a deliberate choice for inner peace. It also sets an example for fans facing similar struggles, proving that even a global star can prioritize self-care amid relentless pressure.
A history of breaks and lessons learned
Selena Gomez has taken multiple breaks from social media before. In October 2023, she vanished from the web temporarily after a similar wave of attacks. Back then, she cited the need to shield herself from toxicity, a pattern repeating now. “I’m not the type to say ‘I hate this,’” she clarified, showing her nuanced stance—she doesn’t reject the platforms outright but seeks balance.
These hiatuses reveal a recurring theme in her story: the need to disconnect to cope with fame’s demands. In 2016, after her lupus diagnosis and mental health struggles, she stepped away from the spotlight for months to recover. Since then, she’s been open about the challenges of living under public scrutiny, especially in the digital era.
This time, removing the apps entirely hints at a longer break. While she hasn’t specified a return date, the move suggests a shift in approach, possibly bolstered by Benny Blanco’s support and the stability their relationship brings. During the podcast, Blanco praised her resilience, offering a glimpse of the strength those close to her admire.
Sexism in the industry and the focus on looks
Addressing the body criticism, Selena Gomez struck a nerve about sexism in entertainment. “Women have much stronger feelings about their appearance,” she observed, noting how beauty standards weigh almost exclusively on them. While male actors are often praised for aging or physical shifts, women face unrelenting judgment, no matter their accomplishments.
This double standard is glaring when comparing Gomez’s experience to that of male peers. Rarely are men critiqued for gaining weight or straying from an ideal, yet female stars like her are perpetually evaluated. “My weight is a big problem too,” she lamented, illustrating how even a star of her stature isn’t immune.
The issue transcends the personal, reflecting a cultural problem amplified by social media, where filters and edits set unattainable benchmarks. For Gomez, who’s shared her post-transplant self-acceptance journey, these attacks are a constant reminder of fame’s steep cost—especially for women.
Impact on fans and music career
Selena Gomez’s social media exit raises questions about fan engagement. With a massive following, she’s long used platforms like Instagram to promote projects and connect personally. The rollout of “I Said I Love You First” featured posts celebrating her work with Blanco, but without direct access, her promotion tactics may shift.
Yet, this move could bolster her image as an authentic figure. Fans have rallied online, praising her bravery in addressing vulnerability. Comments like “she deserves peace” and “no more judgment” flood posts about her, showing her support base remains strong despite her absence.
Musically, the impact should be minimal, as her album with Blanco is already out and thriving. Taylor Swift lauded it as “incredible” in a rare Instagram post, and its mix of personal lyrics and star collaborations keeps it in the spotlight, regardless of Gomez’s online presence.
Timeline of Selena Gomez’s social media breaks
Selena Gomez’s relationship with social media has seen several pauses. Here’s a rundown of key moments:
- 2016: Stepped away for months after lupus diagnosis and mental health challenges.
- October 2023: Took a brief hiatus following body criticism.
- March 2025: Removed apps from her phone, with no return date set.
These breaks highlight her evolving approach to managing fame in the digital age.
Personal life steadied by Benny Blanco
As she steps back from social media, Selena Gomez leans on fiancé Benny Blanco, whom she got engaged to late last year. The couple, behind “I Said I Love You First,” has been hailed as a solid Hollywood duo. Their $35 million Beverly Hills mansion marks a fresh chapter away from virtual chaos.
Blanco, known for hits like “Eastside,” joined her on the podcast, sharing insights into their bond. He called her “shy to the extreme” except around kids and praised her toughness. His support seems key as she navigates this tough period.
Their relationship, public since 2023, quickly grew into an engagement and creative partnership. “Benny, thanks for being my personal diary in this,” Gomez wrote in a pre-exit post, crediting him for aiding her album. This connection may anchor her as she retreats from online noise.
What’s next for Selena online
Though Gomez has left social media for now, her history suggests this isn’t permanent. Past returns brought reflections on her breaks, and this time, the app removal hints at a longer absence—perhaps until she processes recent criticism and reclaims her public voice.
Her career presses on, with “Only Murders in the Building” in its fourth season and “Emília Pérez” stirring debate and praise. Off social media, she can focus on these without online distractions.
Speculation abounds on how she’ll share updates. Her team or Rare Beauty partnerships might handle digital outreach. For now, her silence online reflects a focus on self-preservation.
Fun facts about Selena Gomez’s journey
Selena Gomez’s path is packed with milestones beyond social media. Check out these highlights:
- Disney start: Debuted in “Wizards of Waverly Place” at 15.
- Health spotlight: Diagnosed with lupus in 2013, underwent a kidney transplant in 2017.
- Digital records: Once Instagram’s most-followed person, hitting 400 million followers.
- Music career: Released four studio albums, including “I Said I Love You First.”
These moments showcase her reach and the hurdles she’s overcome.
Keywords
