The singer and actress reflects on online negativity, body shaming, and the pressures of fame in a candid conversation
Selena Gomez is no stranger to the pressures of being in the public eye, but in a recent interview, the singer and actress got candid about how social media scrutiny has shaped her experience—especially as a woman.
During a conversation with her fiancé, music producer Benny Blanco, on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty Podcast, Gomez spoke openly about the intense criticism she faces online. “Women have it much worse,” she stated. “From my perspective, it’s pretty wild… From our appearance to what we’re wearing—everything is judged.”
Unlike Blanco, who admitted he doesn’t read online comments, Gomez said she sometimes sees what people say about her. “When I get prepared for an event, 90 percent of the time I’m just like, ‘I just hope I can take the picture and sit down,’” she revealed. “But it’s the character that gets judged. It’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough.”
Navigating the Pressures of Fame
Gomez, who has long been vocal about the impact of social media on mental health, acknowledged that while she understands its power, it remains “tricky” to navigate. She also touched on the double standards between men and women in the industry. “From the choices of people you date—it’s like nobody cares about those kinds of things with men,” she added.
The Only Murders in the Building star also discussed the scrutiny surrounding her weight. Gomez has been open about her struggles with lupus, an autoimmune disorder that causes weight fluctuations due to medication. “Oh yeah, my weight’s a big one too,” she admitted. “Everyone just has something to say, and it’s really making me sad. Not even sad, because I’m not a victim—I just think it’s made me a tad bitter, and I feel really guilty for saying that, but it’s true.”
Taking Social Media Breaks for Mental Well-Being
Despite the negativity, Gomez has found ways to protect her mental health, frequently taking breaks from social media. “I had to stop after a while, and I still take breaks completely because I’m human,” she said. “Of course, sometimes I read things, but I ignore most of it.” She even revealed that she currently doesn’t have social media apps on her phone.
“I’m not in a ‘I hate it’ mindset—I understand the power of what social media is,” Gomez concluded. “It’s just tricky.”
As one of the most-followed women on Instagram, Gomez’s words resonate with many, especially young women navigating their own social media experiences. Her honesty sheds light on the pressures of fame and the importance of prioritizing mental health in an era of online scrutiny.
