Selena Gomez has a massive social media following, even if she only uploads photos occassionally, usually for special events.
Social media has been very good to her, but she is the first to admit that her experience is not universal.
In fact, Selena says that social media can be intensely toxic to the young people who use it the most.
Selena Gomez spoke at the Cannes Film Festival, where she is promoting her new film, The Dead Don't Die.
She admits that she is "scared" of social media's effects on the youngest internet denizens.
"They're not aware of the news or anything going on," Selena said in the press conference.
"It's selfish -- I don't wanna say selfish because it feels rude," she quickly corrected. "But it's dangerous for sure."
While social media can help others connect with friends and others with whom they have a lot in common, it can hurt self esteem and enable bullying.
"I think our world is going through a lot, obviously," Selena added.
"But for my generation, specifically," she continued. "Social media has been terrible."
Millennials who were already adults or near-adults when Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram launched may feel differently.
Selena lamented that it is now "impossible" to guarantee that any social media is 100% safe for all users.
She noted that she tries to remain conscious of the younger members of her audience whenever she posts.
Selena explained that she always seeks to avoid putting pressure on teens and tweens with her photos and text posts.
Keep in mind that Selena, one of the most followed people on the planet, is not biting the hand that feeds her.
"I'm very grateful I have the platform in any way," Selena clarified.
"I can still share things I'm passionate about," she affirmed.
"I don't do a lot of pointless pictures," Selena noted.
She is referring to how many influencers share almost excessive photos to create more Content(TM) for Engagement(TM).
"I like to be intentional with it," she explained.
"I see these young girls," Selena described.
"I'll meet them," she continued. "And they're just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice."
In-person cruelty when you're young is bad enough. It shouldn't follow you when you're on your own home, using social media.
"It can be great in moments," Selena acknowledged.
"But," she said. "I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not."
Selena has spoken on this important topic before.
"It is not that healthy to be on [social media] all the time," she observed.
Some people aren't impacted by bullying online, of course. Others use social media for work. But in general, we all need a break from time to time.
"I noticed with me," Selena cited. "I got kind of depressed looking at these people who look beautiful and amazing."
Selena, girl, you look beautiful and amazing!
"And it would just get me down a lot," Selena admitted.
"Taking breaks is really important," she affirmed.
"Just know that most of it isn't real," Selena advised her youngest fans of what they see on social media.
"And I hate to say that, I don't mean to be rude," Selena politely added. "But it's very unrealistic in a lot of ways."
That's true.
Fortunately, a lot of people -- even famous people -- have found ways to clap back at those who attack them online.