Selena Gomez explains why she’s been missing from social media

Social media queen Selena Gomez has been noticeably quiet online over the past few weeks and she’s now revealing why. In a new Instagram video posted late Wednesday night, Gomez updated her fans on why she decided to step back from social and revealed that she will be sharing new, personal content with her followers soon.“I wanted to take some time to do a quick message for you guys because I haven’t been posting that much. I just wanted to let you know that I love you guys and I miss you and there’s so many exciting things coming up that I can’t wait to share with all of you,” said Gomez, who maintains her position as one of the most followed people on Instagram. “I just think at the beginning of this year, with everything going on, it felt a little insensitive to post things that may be a little joyful or celebratory. It was really hard for me.”

 

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A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jul 29, 2020 at 7:52pm PDT

Gomez’s uncertainty over what content to share in 2020 is relatable. Starting with COVID-19 in March and later the 2020 mainstream focus on Black Lives Matter, which was set off at the end of May by the tragic death of George Floyd, Gomez’s concern over appearing disingenuous and insensitive by returning to her regular feed is a feeling shared by many.Gomez said that is using this time to educate herself and plans on increasing her involvement in social media in the future. “I’ve taken the time to learn, truly learn about what’s going on and I continue to make that my priority,” Gomez continued. “But, just letting you know that I’m going to be a little bit more involved and I’m just sending more love and gonna show you some more of my personal stuff and what I have been doing. But thank you for being here and thank you for supporting me always and I will talk to you soon.”At the beginning of June, Gomez was one of the many high-profile celebs who handed over their feed to Black leaders to help amplify their voices. “I have been struggling to know the right things to say to get the word out about this important moment in history. After thinking about how best to use my social media, I decided that we all need to hear more from Black voices,” Gomez wrote in a June 4 post. “Over the next few days I will be highlighting influential leaders and giving them a chance to take over my Instagram so that they can speak directly to all of us. We all have an obligation to do better and we can start by listening with an open heart and mind.”

 

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I want to thank all of the amazing people that took the time to speak to us directly. I am blown away with your knowledge, eagerness to teach and commitment to ensuring Black voices are not silenced. Educating ourselves is the first step if we hope to make any progress in bringing an end to systemic racism. As much as one might want to believe things have gotten better we cannot deny any longer that they have not. We need to acknowledge that social, political and economic discrimination against Black communities continues to exist. There is a deep pain that needs to be healed. Unless this is recognized history will continue to repeat itself over and over. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Tomorrow is Juneteenth which commemorates the day slaves in Texas were told they were free on June 19th 1865. To learn more of the history and the movement to make it a national holiday read The article in my bio. Please take the day to have conversations with your family and friends about the importance of Black Lives Matter and how we all need to join together to ensure equality and justice and then continue these conversations every day!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Everyone needs to have their voices heard and we can do that by VOTING! We will not let voter suppression stop us! Check out @whenweallvote to get registered and find other helpful resources.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have this platform and appreciate you all for taking the time to watch, listen and take in the powerful messages and information we’ve been provided over the last two weeks by some of the most inspiring people I’ve come across in my life. If you missed any of these incredible IG stories they are all saved in my Story Highlights under #BLM and #BLM2. This is just the beginning and we will continue to hear from other Black voices and as well as other marginalized communities I am committed to doing the work and I hope you join me.

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 18, 2020 at 5:26pm PDT

Throughout June, Gomez turned over her Instagram account, which boasts 178 million followers, to Black leaders, including #BlackLivesMatter co-creator Alicia Garza, journalist Jelani Cobb, policy maker Kimberlé Crenshaw, professor Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, author Ibram X. Kendi, rapper Killer Mike, activist Nelini Stamp, actor Kendrick Sampson, media strategist Raquel Willis, activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams and Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 became the first Black child to integrate into an all-white school in Louisiana. “As much as one might want to believe things have gotten better we cannot deny any longer that they have not,” wrote Gomez on June 18. “We need to acknowledge that social, political and economic discrimination against Black communities continues to exist. There is a deep pain that needs to be healed. Unless this is recognized history will continue to repeat itself over and over.”On July 21, Gomez celebrated her 28^th birthday by announcing her new Rare Impact Fund, which plans to raise $100 million over 10 years to help fund treatment and services for those with mental health illnesses. The fund will be supported by sales by Gomez’s new Rare Beauty line as well as other investors and the extra support will be geared towards typically underserved communities. Posting the day after her birthday, Gomez thanked her fans for their love, sharing a few snaps of the popstar smiling while in front of a massive balloon display.[video_embed id='-1']BEFORE YOU GO: Pup gets geared up to go for motorcycle ride with his owner[/video_embed]