In a stunning social media comeback, Selena Gomez has once again become the most-followed woman on Instagram, surpassing Kylie Jenner. Both stars boast nearly 400 million followers, but Gomez’s return to the platform has reignited her immense popularity, allowing her to reclaim the top spot.

Selena Gomez was previously the reigning queen of Instagram until she decided to take a break from the platform. Her hiatus was a result of the overwhelming negativity and toxicity she encountered online. However, her recent return has been marked by a surge in follower growth and renewed engagement with her fans.

Gomez’s comeback post, featuring her sipping a drink, was captioned, “I deleted this one time because I thought maybe it was too much but eh.” This candid and relatable moment resonated with her audience, quickly amassing likes and positive comments.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez opened up about her decision to step away from Instagram. She explained that she had removed the app from her phone and delegated posting responsibilities to her team due to the intense scrutiny and harsh comments she received.

“People can call me ugly or stupid, and I’m like, Whatever. But these people get detailed,” Gomez revealed. “They write paragraphs that are so specific and mean. I would constantly be crying. I constantly had anxiety. I couldn’t do it anymore. It was a waste of my time.”

This level of online bullying and negativity took a toll on Gomez’s mental health, prompting her to develop a new approach to social media.

Gomez has crafted a system to maintain her connection with fans while protecting her mental well-being. She now primarily uses TikTok, which she finds to be a less hostile environment compared to Instagram.

“The only thing I have on my phone is TikTok because I find it to be a little less hostile,” she said. “There are wonderful things about social media—connecting with fans, seeing how happy and excited they are and their stories. But usually that’s filtered through [for me now]. I created a system. Everything I do I send to my assistant who posts them. As far as comments, my team will put together a few things that are encouraging.”

This method allows Gomez to stay engaged with her followers without exposing herself to the negative aspects of social media. Her team curates supportive and positive messages, helping her maintain a healthier relationship with her online presence.

Gomez’s return to Instagram has been met with overwhelming positivity. Her latest post garnered numerous supportive comments from fans, reflecting the love and admiration they have for her. One fan wrote, “Wow! Thank god it’s back,” capturing the sentiment of many who are thrilled to see Gomez active on the platform once again.

Gomez’s experience highlights the broader issue of social media’s impact on mental health. The constant exposure to criticism and negativity can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. By sharing her struggles and solutions, Gomez brings attention to the importance of setting boundaries and finding healthier ways to engage with social media.

Selena Gomez’s journey back to the top of Instagram underscores her enduring popularity and the strong connection she has with her fans. Her candidness about the challenges she faced and the strategies she implemented to protect her mental health offer valuable insights for others navigating the complexities of social media. As Gomez continues to thrive on Instagram, she sets an example of resilience and self-care in the digital age.