In today’s age, it is impossible to escape celebrities and influencers oversharing on social media. However, is the input of these socialites the key to change in America?

On Sept. 10, Taylor Swift posted to Instagram endorsing presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Swift has been able to draw over 35,000 new voters via her voter registration link, according to NPR.

“It’s so important to the people that are going to be consuming that Taylor Swift endorse- ment that (Swift) said, ‘I watched the debate, I didn’t decide this yesterday. I watched this candidate against this candidate, and I thought about it and here I am,’” said news anchor Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC.

Swift’s post currently has 11 million likes and 1.5 million shares, appealing to the vast demographic of her 284 million followers.

Harris and Walz took this opportunity to fundraise off the endorsement. They have released ads using Swift’s music and have begun selling friendship bracelets referencing Swift’s “The Eras Tour.”

Swift’s endorsement also inspired other artists to voice their support for the Harris and Walz campaign, including Stevie Nicks, Jennifer Aniston and John Legend.

Similar effects of celebrity endorsements can be seen across history. According to ABC News, after Oprah Winfrey endorsed former President Barack Obama, he saw an increase of about a million votes.

This has been done in both parties. Former President Donald Trump has also sought out the endorsement of celebrities, receiving support from Elon Musk, Kanye West and Kid Rock.

Trump did a lengthy interview with Musk on X, reaching over a million live viewers.

However, endorsing Trump has landed celebrities in hot water. West and Rock are prime examples of celebrities who have lost respectability in the public eye due to their controversial beliefs.

Countless celebrities have made statements against Trump for using their likeness to appeal to a larger audience.

Celine Dion posted on Instagram regarding Trump’s unauthorized use of her song, ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ at a rally in Montana.

“In no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” Dion’s management team wrote.

Trump is outraged by the lack of celebrity endorsement for his campaign. On Sept. 15, he posted “I hate Taylor Swift” on X.

However, this has done the opposite of what Trump had hoped. A large wave of fans rushed to Swift’s defense, thus solidifying further support for Harris’ campaign.

So, do celebrity opinions really matter? Yes, they do. Their massive platforms reach diverse demographics and affect the fans that consume their content. Celebrities have a voice in ways that average people do not, and it is their responsibility to use it to in- spire change.