On Instagram, Selena Gomez's name does rings the bell. For good reason: she is the most-followed individual on the platform.
Despite her presence on Instagram has been on-and-off over the years, and the singer and actress is known for announcing breaks from the platform on several occasions, some of which include ways to help with her mental health, and to deal with her struggles with body-image, she has successfully cemented her fame there.
Having more than 400 million followers is a remarkable achievement, even for a celebrity her caliber.
But that status translates to big responsibility, and Selena admits that.
During Universal Music Group and Thrive Global’s Music & Health Conference, Selena said something about this status:
As the most followed woman on Instagram, Selena said that she is rather careless about counting, or even caring for such status.
But instead, she's more aware of the responsibility that comes with such a far-reaching platform.
On Instagram, where information is spread out to be heard, Selena said that she has heard from several fans about how her work has helped them through extremely difficult times.
To her hosts, Sir Lucian Grainge and Arianna Huffington, she said that:
"I feel for people, and I think that’s what kind of keeps me in check, to be honest. I think I can be a little reckless with my emotions and having conversations with young people, women who are going through divorces or going through chemo — it’s not just about me, and I’m fully aware of that. I will just always cherish it."
"It’s a big responsibility, though. It’s a little scary."
There are a few reasons that make Selena extremely famous and popular.
First, she is a talented entertainer. Selena is a singer, actress, producer, and businesswoman. She has released several hit albums, starred in movies and TV shows, and launched her own successful makeup line. And not to mention the her high-profile break-up with singer Justin Bieber.
Second, Selena is known for being relatable. For more than many times, she is not afraid to be herself on social media, even when it means sharing her vulnerabilities.
When she was diagnosed with lupus, and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, Instagram has been the place for her to share her thoughts and feelings. She also used the platform, and she has used the platform to raise awareness about these issues.
By using Instagram to spread the message of love, self-acceptance, and kindness, Selena's reign as the most followed Instagram user is a testament to her popularity and influence.
As a role model, she is a role model for millions of people around the world.
And that is huge responsibility indeed.
The conversation also touched on the issue of AI, and apparently, Selena is not a big fan of.
"It terrifies me, to be honest, the whole AI thing, but I don’t think you could ever replace what a human being can write … Lil Wayne said it really well, and he was basically saying that there’s no other human like who you are. And that’s all it should be."