Selena Gomez recently captivated audiences at her third annual mental health summit in New York City, where she shared insights into her personal journey with social media and her steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy. Dressed in a sophisticated Matičevski cocktail dress, adorned with Tabayer jewelry, Selena discussed these pressing issues alongside U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
Selena reflected on her tumultuous relationship with social media, recalling her decision to quit Instagram for four years—a move she describes as the best gift she could have given herself. This break allowed her to reconnect with friends and family in more meaningful ways, emphasizing real conversations over digital interactions. “It was like, ‘Well then, tell me your story,'” Selena recounted, stressing the value of personal communication over online exchanges.
The panel also touched on the broader impacts of social media, with Dr. Murthy highlighting how these platforms shift essential human interactions from in-person to online, often detracting from the quality of our relationships and wellbeing. He explained that face-to-face interactions allow us to perceive not just the words being said but also the subtleties of body language and tone, elements often lost in digital communication.
Selena also shared glimpses into her personal life, revealing her approach to friendship and support. She described herself as more traditional in her communication preferences, favoring phone calls over texts and personal visits over digital messages, especially when it comes to supporting friends through tough times. “I just went to her office and sat with her for like an hour or two and just talked,” she shared, illustrating her hands-on, heartfelt approach to friendship.
Beyond personal anecdotes, Selena expressed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, aspiring to focus her career more intensively on this cause. “I want nothing more than to be able to be remembered by things like this more than anything else, because this is what makes me happy,” she stated, revealing her desire to make a lasting impact in the field through her company’s Rare Impact Fund.
Her vision for the future of mental health is optimistic yet grounded, acknowledging the ongoing need for advocacy and action. Selena’s dedication to the cause is clear, as she envisions a future where discussions about mental health are not just commonplace but deeply understood and valued by society.
Selena Gomez continues to inspire not only through her art but also through her advocacy, using her platform to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more genuine, supportive interactions both online and off. Her journey invites us all to reconsider our own relationships with social media and prioritize meaningful connections in our lives.
