Selena Gomez has spoken out about the disproportionate scrutiny women face on social media, highlighting the emotional toll of online criticism.
In a candid conversation on the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast, Gomez appeared alongside her fiancé, Benny Blanco, as they promoted their upcoming album, I Said I Love You First. While Blanco admitted he avoids reading comments online and prefers to “freefall through life”, Gomez, 32, acknowledged that she finds it harder to ignore negativity.
According to Gomez, women experience harsher judgment than men, particularly regarding their appearance and personal lives.
“Women have it much harder,” she stated, adding that society often places unrealistic expectations on them.
She reflected on her own struggles, noting that when she attends public events, her biggest concern is simply getting through it without criticism.
“90% of the time, I just hope I can take the picture and sit down,” she admitted.
She also pointed out the unique challenges she faces as a Latina in the entertainment industry.
“It’s the character that gets judged—it’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough.”
Gomez revealed that while she tries to ignore negative comments, she occasionally finds herself scrolling through harsh opinions, which only reinforces the toxicity of online culture.
“Nobody cares about those kinds of things with men,” she said, explaining that women are scrutinized for everything from their weight to their relationships.
“We just carry a lot.”
She admitted that body shaming has been particularly difficult for her.
“My weight’s a big one, too. Everyone just has something to say, and it’s really making me sad. Not even sad, because no, I’m not a victim. I just think it’s maybe a tad bitter.”
To protect her mental well-being, Gomez has chosen to limit her social media usage, revealing that she no longer has the apps on her phone. However, she also acknowledges the positive power of digital platforms.
“I understand the power of what social media is—it’s just tricky,” she noted.
Despite the challenges, Gomez remains focused on her music, career, and personal growth, using her experiences to advocate for mental health awareness and self-acceptance.
