Selena Gomez Logs Off: 'I Am More Present'
By Taylor Hodgkins on April 6, 2022 at 1:00 PM EDT
Updated on May 11, 2022 at 3:37 PM EDT
So much is known about superstar Selena Gomez's life in the spotlight, but there is one factor about the 29-year-old's life that stands out from all of the others: Gomez doesn't spend any time on the internet!
Wait, what? There's a 20-something in the world who isn't checking social media multiple times an hour?
There is indeed, and Gomez's life has been made better by her decision to stop scrolling and put down her devices.
Why The "Rare" Singer Decided To Log Off
From Gomez's confessional songs like 2019's "Lose You To Love Me", which details her highly-publicized split with Justin Bieber, and her willingness to openly discuss her struggles with her health both mentally and physically, (she underwent a kidney transplant in 2017), the "Only Murders In The Building" actress has long been open about discussing topics others may have found to be a bit taboo.
Gomez, a longtime mental health advocate, recently sat down with "Good Morning America" to discuss her next step in her plan to raise awareness about mental health through frank discussion.
"I really want people to be understood and seen, and heard. It's okay not to be okay," she says.
One factor Gomez has attributed to hindering her mental health, has been her social media use, which she has since found a practical way to curb.
Gomez revealed to Juju Chang she has "Not been on the internet for four and a half years."
When Chang asked her what stepping back and logging off has done for her life, she responded, "It has changed my life completely. I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people, it makes me feel normal."
While Gomez has an Instagram account, she takes more of a backseat role to how it's ran.
According to Chang, Gomez "Helps her team curate her content," instead of being in charge.
How Social Media Affected Gomez
The decision to step back from social media was likely shaped by the way Gomez used the 'Gram when she was younger.
According to a report from The Blast as per InStyle, Gomez confessed "At one point Instagram became my whole world, and it was really dangerous. In my early 20's, I felt like I wasn't pretty enough. There was a whole period in my life when I thought I needed make-up and never wanted to be seen without it."
Reinventing Scroll Time
Now, Gomez is on a mission to reinvent how her fans who have undergone similar struggles with their social media use.
Last Fall, Gomez revealed the news she would soon be launching her own social media platform, centered around the availability of mental health resources with the help of her mom, and Daniella Pierson, who, according to GMA, is a businesswoman.
Wondermind's mission is to provide some solace for "Anyone who has feelings," according to Pierson.
The platform is not limited "For people who have a diagnosed mental illness," she added.
Pierson went on to assure Wondermind is "For anyone who ever feels sad, lonely, scared, anxious, and we're really not labeling anybody."
Wondermind launched in February, according to GMA.
Wondermind will soon have its own podcast as well! The podcast promises "No topic will be taboo," and "Everyone is welcome" to devour its content.