When an Instagram hero becomes the next President of the United States, or when influencers take over fields once dominated by academics, bureaucrats, and the traditionally rich and powerful, we should not be surprised. We speak lightly about social media – with Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and other platforms providing us entertainment and the occasional shot of dopamine – but most of us have overlooked the importance that it holds in our society today. The online conversation does not only serve as a means to communicate and a playground for children and teenagers. It also plays a major role in the ever changing culture of our society, with influencers dictating the ebb and flow of trends and popular stars. Hoards of men and women from older generations are not happy with the pull that the internet world now has on our reality – they fight it with passion from every angle. And one of their biggest concerns is that these media sites and people will be damaging to the mental health of their users and fans. But in heroic fashion, many influencers have set forth to disprove this theory and fight it. And in the interest of positivity-spreading influencers everywhere, one powerful name comes to mind.
He goes by Wendell Miracle Pialet. A San Diego resident originally from New Jersey with roots in the Philippines, he is a motivational speaker, a depression counselor, an entrepreneur, a soon to be published author, and of course, a social media influencer. Wendell has branded himself as a specialist in boosting emotional health. Taking inspiration from the words of God and his own life experiences, he turns his knowledge into videos, quotes, and online and personal counseling sessions for his clients and the global public. Having struggled with depression and felt the pain of loss – in the form of his mother’s death over a few years ago – Wendell can relate to the people he preaches to. He understands the toxicity of negative energy and loss of self control, and now works in an industry in which he hopes to counteract both. After working through his own issues, Wendell took to the books. Studying the laws of attraction and the psychology behind happiness, he made himself credible in the field, and has since been effectively teaching others all he has learned. On top of it all, Wendell runs and owns Hope Nuggets, a company that he founded to help improve the overall mental health of society.
Wendell’s sphere of influence is massive. With an over two hundred thousand following on Instagram and other platforms, he is everything that the older generations fear. But unlike those who abuse their media power to control the flow of information and products, Wendell uses his fame for good. Posting videos daily with hopes of inspiring his followers, he preaches and encourages appreciation, love, optimism, and strength. With his new book, Have a Magical Day, coming out soon, Wendell is also dipping his toes into every medium possible. But Wendell does the absolute opposite of degrade the mental health of those that he comes in contact with. He not only supports every one of his clients in their struggles and journeys, but also does nothing but share the light of positivity and God’s glory in all of his posts. Never superficial and always grateful, Wendell defeats the stereotypes that dominate social media today.
So when it is influencers who truly rule the world, at the very least, we have people like Wendell Miracle Pialet who will rule it in the name of good.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.