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Selena Gomez on Social Media Scrutiny: ‘Women Have It Much Worse’
Mar
Selena Gomez is getting candid about the struggles of being a public figure—especially as a woman—on social media.
During a revealing conversation on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty Podcast, Gomez and her fiancé, music producer Benny Blanco, discussed the harsh realities of online criticism. While Blanco admitted he avoids reading negative comments, Gomez acknowledged that she sometimes sees them—and they take a toll.
‘Women Have It Much Worse’
“I was also going to point out that women have it much worse,” Gomez said. “It’s pretty wild, and I think this isn’t news to anybody—women face intense scrutiny, from their appearance to what they’re wearing to everything.”
Unlike Blanco, who shrugs off public opinions, Gomez shared that she often dreads public appearances because of the judgment that follows. “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 admitted. But the criticism goes beyond just looks. “It’s the character that gets judged, it’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough.”
Unfair Double Standards
Gomez also pointed out the stark contrast between how men and women are treated in the public eye. “From the choices of people you date—it’s like nobody cares about those kinds of things with men,” she said.
She has also been vocal about the scrutiny surrounding her weight, especially as someone living with lupus. “Oh yeah, my weight’s a big one too,” she added. “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.”
Finding Balance
Despite the negativity, Gomez has learned to set boundaries. “I had to stop after a while, and I still take breaks completely because I’m human,” she said, revealing that she currently has no social media apps on her phone. “So there are ways to combat it,” she noted. “I’m not in a ‘I hate it’ mindset—I understand the power of what social media is. It’s just tricky.”
Gomez, who continues to thrive in music, film, and business, is determined not to let the noise define her. And while she may take breaks, she’s not backing down.