Selena Gomez and her on/off relationship with social media: Here’s how you can actually take one

Selena Gomez and her relationship with social media

Selena Gomez is back on social media, after a grand total of 18 hours offline. This latest dip into the abyss of digital detox follows what seems to be a never-ending saga of Golden Globes “drama” involving her, Timothee Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner. The rumor mill churned out juicy gossip about Gomez being denied a photo with her beau by Jenner, but like most internet mysteries, it remains shrouded in speculation.

This isn’t new territory for Gomez. She’s a seasoned pro at the social media disappearing act, having vanished and reappeared on numerous occasions over the years. From mental health struggles and kidney surgery to album completions and Bieber breakups, her reasons for retreat are as varied as they are temporary. In 2023 alone, she cited “horror, hate, violence, and terror” as her escape route after facing backlash, and was back online quicker than you can say “swipe refresh.”

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Gomez acknowledges the double-edged sword of social media. She appreciates the connection with fans and their stories, but the negativity cuts deep. Trolls with their detailed, mean-spirited paragraphs used to leave her in tears and riddled with anxiety. Now, she employs an assistant to handle the brunt of the digital interactions, creating a filtered buffer between her and the trolls’ battlefield.

Ultimately, Gomez is far from alone in her social media struggles. Celebs like Tom Holland, Billie Eilish, and Taron Egerton have all sought refuge from the endless scroll. But there’s something uniquely comical about Gomez’s revolving door approach to hiatuses. Her commitment to offline living often lasts about as long as a TikTok dance challenge, leaving fans both concerned and chuckling.

So, the next time Selena announces her departure from the digital world, take it with a grain of salt. Because if history is any indication, her absence will be as fleeting as a butterfly landing on a rose: beautiful, but oh-so-brief.

Unlike Gomez, you must follow some simple steps to actually take a break from social media. It can be a transformative experience, providing a chance to recalibrate your life, focus on real-world connections, and regain control over your time and mental well-being. However, successfully disconnecting from the digital realm requires careful planning and commitment. Here’s a more detailed guide, expanding on the previous suggestions, to help you navigate your social media break effectively.

Steps to take a break

1. Set a Clear Goal:

Begin by clearly defining the purpose of your social media break. Understand why you feel the need to step away and what you hope to achieve. Whether it’s reducing stress, improving mental health, increasing productivity, or simply gaining perspective, having a well-defined goal will give your break purpose and direction.

2. Inform Your Connections:

Communicate your decision to take a social media break with your friends and followers. This can be a simple post or message explaining that you’ll be offline for a while. Not only does this manage expectations, but it also reduces the likelihood of feeling socially isolated during your break.

3. Choose a Duration:

Decide on the duration of your break. Whether it’s a few days, a week, or even a month, having a specific timeframe can help you commit to the break and avoid the uncertainty of an indefinite hiatus.

4. Disable Notifications:

To minimize the constant urge to check your social media accounts, turn off notifications for these apps on your phone. This step is crucial as notifications can serve as constant reminders and distractions. Additionally, consider moving the apps off your home screen or even temporarily uninstalling them.

5. Delete or Temporarily Deactivate Accounts:

For a more profound break, consider temporarily deactivating your social media accounts. Most platforms offer this feature, preserving your data and connections for when you decide to return. If deactivation seems too extreme, simply log out to create an additional barrier to impulsive checking.

6. Find Alternative Activities:

Identify alternative activities to fill the void left by social media. This could include reading, pursuing a hobby, exercising, or spending more quality time with friends and family. Having engaging alternatives will make the transition smoother and help you break the habit of reaching for your phone whenever you have downtime.

7. Use Productivity Apps:

Leverage productivity apps designed to help you limit your time on social media. Many applications track your usage and provide reminders when you’ve reached your predetermined daily limit. These tools can serve as valuable allies in your quest to regain control over your digital habits.

8. Plan Real-world Social Interactions:

Use the time away from social media to invest in face-to-face interactions. Plan activities with friends, attend social events, or simply enjoy quality time with the people around you. Building stronger real-world connections can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a social media break.

9. Reflect on Your Experience:

Take moments during your break to reflect on how you feel. Consider journaling your experiences, emotions, and any changes you observe in your mood, productivity, or overall well-being. This self-reflection will not only enhance your understanding but also help you make informed decisions about your social media use in the future.

10. Reevaluate Your Relationship with Social Media:

As your break comes to an end, carefully assess how you want to reintegrate social media into your life. Reflect on the positive changes you’ve experienced and consider setting boundaries, such as limiting usage to specific times of the day or designating certain days for social media engagement.

Remember, the goal of a social media break is to create a healthier relationship with these platforms, not to eliminate them entirely. Tailor these strategies to your preferences and needs, and use the experience to cultivate a more mindful and intentional approach to your digital life.