Selena Gomez Says Getting Off Instagram Was “The Most Rewarding Gift I Gave Myself”

Selena Gomez does Instagram well. But getting away from the social media app made her happier.

Gomez is the most-followed woman on the platform, boasting 429 million users following her account.

But in a recent appearance at the 2024 TIME 100 Summit, the actress and singer said getting off Instagram was one of the best things she ever did for her mental health.

“I took four years off of Instagram and I let my team post for me,” she said. “I felt like it was the most rewarding gift I gave myself. I was more present. I was happier.”

Gomez began connecting with friends over the phone rather than reading posts.

“It’s more human,” she said. “I think it’s important to take breaks.”