Selena Gomez is worried about the "terrible" effect that social media has had on her generation. The 26-year-old actor and singer, with more than 150 million followers is the most followed person on Instagram after soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and pop singer Ariana Grande.
Speaking during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, Gomez said that she gets "scared" when she looks at the exposure of young girls and boys on those platforms.
"They're not aware of the news or anything going on," she said. "It's selfish -- I don't wanna say selfish because it feels rude -- but it's dangerous for sure."
"I think our world is going through a lot, obviously. But for my generation, specifically, social media has been terrible," she said.
Asked what more she could do to improve the social media environment, given her large following, Gomez said it is "impossible" at this point to make it safe. She also said she tries to be conscious when posting on Instagram, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on her fans.
"I'm very grateful I have the platform in any way, I can still share things I'm passionate about," she said. "I don't do a lot of pointless pictures. I like to be intentional with it."
"I see these young girls, I'll meet them and they're just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice."
Gomez also called on people to take breaks in social media use: "It can be great in moments, but I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not."
Speaking during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, Gomez said that she gets "scared" when she looks at the exposure of young girls and boys on those platforms.
"They're not aware of the news or anything going on," she said. "It's selfish -- I don't wanna say selfish because it feels rude -- but it's dangerous for sure."
"I think our world is going through a lot, obviously. But for my generation, specifically, social media has been terrible," she said.
Asked what more she could do to improve the social media environment, given her large following, Gomez said it is "impossible" at this point to make it safe. She also said she tries to be conscious when posting on Instagram, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on her fans.
"I'm very grateful I have the platform in any way, I can still share things I'm passionate about," she said. "I don't do a lot of pointless pictures. I like to be intentional with it."
"I see these young girls, I'll meet them and they're just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice."
Gomez also called on people to take breaks in social media use: "It can be great in moments, but I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not."