Selena Gomez currently holds the title for being the most followed woman on Instagram, boasting a staggering 430 million fans. Despite her notable hiatus from social media for four years, due to its negative impact on her mental well-being, she has recently returned to the platform within the last year.
During a recent interview with Fast Company, the 31-year-old Rare Beauty mogul discussed her decision to temporarily step back from Instagram following her high-profile split from Justin Bieber in 2018. The “Single Soon” singer reflected on the impact of her final breakup with the “Yummy” hitmaker, which followed their tumultuous on-again-off-again relationship of eight years.
This heartbreak not only affected her personal life, but also prompted her to distance herself from social media. Meanwhile, the “Ghost” crooner moved on quickly, marrying his now-wife Hailey Bieber just months after he and Gomez’s split in September 2018.
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Selena Gomez Reflects On Her Social Media Hiatus And Rollercoaster Split From Justin Bieber
In the interview, Gomez shared her thoughts with the publication on her emotional state during this challenging time. "I had just gotten my heart broken. I didn’t need to see what everyone was doing," Gomez said, regarding social media. "Then there were those moments of not feeling positive about how I looked because of what I’d see on Instagram. Wow, I wish my body looked like that," she recalled.
Gomez also noted that the changes occurring in her body back then affected her self-perception as well. Before this point, she said she felt like she had a " teenager’s body." In 2018, she found that "none of the sample sizes were fitting, and that would make me feel embarrassed." She continued: "Although how unrealistic is it to expect a normal woman’s body not to change?"
While juggling her responsibilities, Gomez was also managing her own mental well-being. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018, and it wasn't until two years later that she decided to speak publicly about it on Miley Cyrus' Bright Minded Instagram Live show.
At first, Gomez said she was apprehensive about the potential outcomes that might arise from disclosing her mental health issues and status. "I grew up being a people pleaser," she shared. "I had a responsibility at a very young age—young people were looking up to me. I didn’t know who I was. Having that responsibility would make me walk on eggshells a lot. I thought maybe it would be damaging to tell people who I am. It started to become a threat that freaked me out. Well, if you’re not right, then you can’t work."
She remembered her diagnosis, and how she moved forward. "I went through a really hard season [then]. It was my highs and my lows, and I didn’t know what to do, so I couldn’t control it. I would want to cancel things. It was just a tormented feeling." The Only Murders in the Building actress added: "That’s why, when I found out my diagnosis, it was just, ‘Oh, okay, I feel a bit relieved, I understand a bit more.’ I got second opinions. I went to doctors. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have people who can help me survive every day."
During her interview with Fast Company (published in October 2023), Gomez expressed that, as a celebrity, she perceives herself as distinct from others she looks up to, like Beyoncé and Adele, when it comes to style and social media usage. "I’m not unattainable," she said.
"I look at someone like a Beyoncé, and I am amazed. My jaw drops. Every part of her is just impeccable, and it’s just so beautiful. I went to her show and was blown away. But I’m just not that, and that’s okay," she went on. "I’m me, and I’m a little silly, but I also like being sexy and fun, and I also want to do good with the time I have here. We need goddesses like Beyoncé and Adele. But I’m just happy to be your best friend."
