Having a social media platform comes with the opportunity to influence massive audiences with the simple click of a button. Whether or not it be a positive impact, social media users — especially those with a large following, automatically have the power to affect, sway and lead.
While some influencers have a reputation for negatively impacting their audiences, such as Lil Nas X or the Sway House boys, Demi Lovato has managed to remain a positive icon for the mental health and addiction community.
The 28-year-old pop singer has had her fair share of bad press and controversy, but Lovato always comes out of the other side with an even stronger spirit and a more powerful voice for communities in need. It’s undeniable that she has gone through some of the most tragic events throughout her life and career in the spotlight, but Lovato uses her pain to influence and encourage others.
In 2017, the singer released “Simply Complicated” — a deeper look into her life, career and struggles with addiction and mental illness. While the documentary touched the hearts of millions of fans for her vulnerability and heartbreaking past, the rawness of the singer didn’t end there.
Beginning on March 23, 2021, Lovato released a new docuseries on Youtube entitled “Dancing with the Devil,” detailing the tragic events leading up to and following her 2018 overdose. The series dived even deeper into her struggles with addiction, body image, mental health disorders, rape and unhealed pain from her late father.
What fans find so inspiring about the singer, despite her constant battles with addiction and failed attempts at remaining sober, is her willingness to be vulnerable. Lovato is indubitably one of the most honest artists, and her desire to stay away from putting on the phony Hollywood facade is what draws people in.
For years, society has looked at celebrities and influencers with large platforms who appear to be seemingly ‘perfect’ and has in turn caused an immense amount of mental health issues and body image comparison. But Lovato is not afraid to show the world her ‘ugly,’ and it’s truly a breath of fresh air.
The singer has taken her personal tribulations and used her career for awareness. In an interview with Today, Lovato stated that music is her “therapeutic outlet,” and it’s clear that she doesn’t hold back in her lyrics. Lovato manages to make her audiences feel less alone in their struggles, and that’s the kind of influence that society needs more of.
Not only does Lovato speak her truth amidst a world of false realities, she is extremely vocal about everything that she believes in. Lovato is much more than a simple artist — her songs are used to send a deeper message to the hurting community. Where many influencers fill their feed with photoshopped selfies and luxurious vacations, Lovato utilizes her platform to provide resources to those in need.
But even those who cannot relate to some of Lovato’s past hardships can still appreciate how real and authentic the popstar truly is.
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