Why Selena Gomez Stepped Away From Social Media and How It Completely Changed Her Life
Selena Gomez is one of the most followed people on the internet, yet she has not personally used social media in more than four years. With hundreds of millions of followers across platforms, her digital presence is massive.
But behind the scenes, Gomez made a life-changing decision to step back for the sake of her mental health. In interviews, she has been open about how leaving social media helped her heal, feel happier, and reconnect with the real world.
This is the story of why Selena Gomez walked away from social media, what led to that decision, and how it reshaped her life both personally and professionally.
Selena Gomez Is One of the Most Followed Celebrities Online
Selena Gomez currently ranks among the most followed celebrities on Instagram, with over 310 million followers. Her posts regularly go viral, and her influence reaches far beyond music and film. Even so, Gomez revealed that she does not manage her own accounts.
In an interview with Vogue, the singer and Rare Beauty founder shared that her assistant handles all of her social media activity. Gomez herself has chosen not to log in at all. This decision, she explained, was necessary for her well-being and peace of mind.
Despite her absence, her platforms remain active, allowing her to maintain a connection with fans without being exposed to the emotional toll that came with constant online scrutiny.
Why Selena Gomez Quit Social Media for Her Mental Health
In a Good Morning America interview, Selena Gomez spoke candidly about how long she has been offline and why she does not plan to return anytime soon.“I haven’t been on the internet in four-and-a-half years… It has changed my life completely.”
According to Gomez, stepping away from social media helped her feel more present and grounded in her daily life. She described the difference as immediate and powerful.
“I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people.”
For Gomez, social media had become overwhelming. Constant comparison, criticism, and exposure to negativity made it difficult to protect her mental and emotional health. Removing herself from that environment became a crucial step in her healing journey.
Living Under Online Scrutiny Took a Heavy Toll
Selena Gomez has spent most of her life in the public eye. As a former child star turned global celebrity, she has experienced intense attention and criticism. Over time, social media amplified that pressure.
Gomez explained that platforms like Instagram made her feel constantly judged. Reading comments and watching curated versions of other people’s lives became exhausting.
“I woke up one morning and looked at Instagram, like every other person, and I was done.”
She recalled feeling drained by negativity and comparison. For her, logging off was not a gradual process. It was a clear decision that brought immediate relief.
“I was tired of reading horrible things. I was tired of seeing other people’s lives. After that decision, it was instant freedom.”
Opening Up About Bipolar Disorder and Mental Illness
Selena Gomez has been remarkably open about her mental health struggles. In a 2020 Instagram Live conversation with Miley Cyrus, she shared that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of confusion and emotional challenges.
The condition, previously known as manic depression, causes extreme mood shifts ranging from high energy and elation to deep sadness and hopelessness. Gomez explained that understanding her diagnosis helped her make sense of what she had been experiencing for years.
Before revealing her bipolar disorder, she had already spoken publicly about living with depression and anxiety. In a 2018 Instagram Live, she shared how deeply those struggles affected her daily life.
“Depression was my life for five years straight. Depression and anxiety were at the forefront of everything that I did in my life. Every single thing. I would make myself have the courage to just keep going.”
These experiences played a major role in her decision to step away from social media and focus on healing.
Choosing Wellness Over Constant Connectivity
In her Good Morning America interview, Gomez explained that quitting social media was part of a broader plan to prioritize her mental and emotional health. She wanted to be intentional about her environment and the influences she allowed into her life.
“I can’t believe that I’m where I am mentally, just because of how I took the necessary steps in order to kind of remove myself from that.”
For Gomez, logging off was not about rejecting technology completely. She acknowledged the positive power of the internet and its ability to connect people around the world.“I understand how powerful the internet is, and in so many ways it’s done the best things for the world.”
Still, she recognized that for her, constant exposure was doing more harm than good.
Life After Social Media and the Launch of Wondermind
Since stepping away, Selena Gomez has focused on projects that align with her values. One of the most meaningful is Wondermind, a mental health platform she helped create to provide resources, stories, and tools for emotional well-being.
By sharing her own journey, Gomez hopes to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help. Her decision to leave social media did not diminish her influence. In many ways, it made her message stronger.
Selena Gomez’s story is a reminder that success does not require constant online presence. Sometimes, the most powerful choice is stepping back, setting boundaries, and choosing yourself.
Her experience shows that protecting mental health is not a weakness. It is a strength.
Summary:
- Selena Gomez is one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, but has not personally used social media in over four years.
- Her assistant manages her social media accounts while she stays completely offline.
- Gomez stepped away from social media to protect her mental and emotional health.
- She revealed that leaving the internet “has changed my life completely” and made her happier and more present.
- Constant online scrutiny and negative comments contributed to her decision to quit.
- Selena has been open about her struggles with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
- She shared that social media intensified comparison and emotional exhaustion.
- Quitting social media brought her a sense of freedom and peace.
- Her decision is part of a larger commitment to prioritizing mental wellness.
- Gomez later launched Wondermind, a mental health platform aimed at reducing stigma and supporting emotional well-being.
