Should Influencers Talk About Politics? Here’s What We Think

Should influencers use their platforms to talk about political issues? That’s the question we put on the table in a recent episode of The Q Agenda here at LatiNation. The conversation was honest, layered, and, like most good conversations, there were multiple perspectives.

Juliana Joel kicked off the conversation with a big question: should influencers be speaking out about the world’s issues?

Robby Arroyo had a straightforward answer: absolutely. “If you’re a decent person, you should be aware of what’s happening globally. That’s my perspective,” he stated.

For Robby, it’s not just about being an influencer but about staying informed and showing concern for others. He also noted that you don’t need to be an expert or have the perfect words. Sharing resources, pointing people to credible voices, or simply saying “this matters” is already a step in the right direction.

But not everyone feels the same way. Lianna Carrera offered a different perspective. She talked about feeling overwhelmed when too many people are chiming in on everything.  “Suddenly, this sex expert is jumping into the daily chaos,” she said.  For her, it’s not helpful when people speak outside their expertise without much to contribute. She appreciates when people know when to step back.

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Una publicación compartida por Olivia Julianna (@0liviajulianna)

Juliana suggested a balanced approach: it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about knowing when to pass the mic. If you’re not the expert, direct your followers to someone who is. That way, you’re still contributing without adding to the chaos.

This idea, that using your platform doesn’t always mean having all the answers but helping others find them, is something we’ve seen play out with several influencers, especially in the Latino community.

The Role of Influencers in Politics

Olivia Julianna is a perfect example. She’s a political activist from Texas who uses TikTok not to pretend she’s a politician, but to break down complex issues like abortion rights and voter suppression in a way that’s clear and honest. Her videos reach millions, and her speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention proved just how powerful her platform can be.

Carlos Eduardo Espina, a lawyer and advocate for immigrant rights, is also leveraging his huge social media audience to drive change. With more than 10 million followers, he addresses immigration issues, counters anti-immigrant rhetoric, and talks about how young people can engage in shaping a brighter future. He communicates in both English and Spanish to make sure his message hits home.

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A post shared by Carlos Eduardo Espina (@carlos_eduardo_espina)

Then there’s Antonio Arellano. As the head of communications at NextGen America, he uses his platform to discuss voting, racial justice, and immigrants’ rights. Antonio doesn’t just post for likes; he aims to inform, mobilize, and remind young people of their power. During the 2024 Democratic National Convention, he was one of the Latino influencers on the scene creating impactful content.

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Una publicación compartida por Antonio Arellano (@antonioarellano_)

So should influencers talk politics? If they care, if it affects them, if they have a platform and an audience that listens, why wouldn’t they? The world doesn’t stop being political just because someone posts makeup tutorials or comedy skits. At the end of the day, being informed and thoughtful isn’t just for politicians. It’s for anyone who cares about others.

We don’t expect everyone to turn into policy experts overnight. But what we do expect, and what we saw in that Q Agenda conversation, is honesty, effort, and the willingness to guide your community in the right direction. Even if it’s just posting a link, amplifying a voice, or saying, “This issue matters to me.” “Because silence sends a message too. On the big issues that shape our world, staying silent just isn’t an option.”