Daniela Reyes, a prominent influencer and contender for Miss Universe Cuba 2026, recently shared an Instagram reel where she delivered a heartfelt message to young people about remaining true to themselves amidst the dangers posed by digital filter culture. Her post quickly garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments.
In her video, the Cuban content creator, now based in Miami, delves into the psychological effects social media has on youth. She parallels these insights with her own journey, from her artistic roots in Cuba to her evolution as an actress, host, and digital personality.
“From a young age, I realized that art has the power to transform lives. My mother, a classical ballet dancer, was always a source of inspiration. She taught me that being on stage isn’t about who gets the applause; it’s about who inspires others,” Daniela shared in her reel.
This philosophy has been a guiding light throughout her career, leading her to the digital platforms where she now boasts over a million followers on Instagram.
The Influence of Social Media on Youth Identity
The core of Daniela's message highlights the pressure social media exerts on young individuals' identities: “We live in a generation comparing their lives to perfect images, filters, numbers, and the approval of strangers.”
“Social media is not real life; it’s a powerful platform for showcasing talent, creating opportunities, and building dreams, but it should never define who we are,” she emphasized.
Embracing Cuban Heritage and Authenticity
Daniela proudly embraces her Cuban heritage as a central element of her platform for the pageant: “Today, I represent Cuba, a land of artists and resilient people who have learned to turn adversity into hope. I carry with me that strength, creativity, and the belief that authenticity holds more value than perfection.”
“If I leave any legacy to the universe, it’s that every young person remembers they don’t need a filter to be their best self. Discovering who you are and using your voice creates an impact far beyond any screen,” Daniela concluded in her video.
Ranked as the top favorite in the Miss Universe Cuba pageant by Missosology Cuba, Daniela leads with 16,600 interactions, far surpassing the second candidate, Mia Dio, who has 6,500.
Born in Cuba, Daniela taught herself English entirely on her own by watching videos and practicing without formal classes, a skill she has showcased throughout the pageant process.
The reel is tagged with @missuniversecuba and @lusmairynfiguera, the Venezuelan coach with 18 years of media experience, who is responsible for preparing the 22 contestants selected from over 100 participants in the April casting held in Miami.
The Miss Universe Cuba 2026 final is slated for August 12 in Miami, where the winner will go on to represent Cuba at the international pageant held in November at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Youth
How does Daniela Reyes view the role of social media in young people's lives?
Daniela Reyes sees social media as a potent platform for talent and opportunity but warns against letting it define personal identity. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity over digital perfection.
What message does Daniela Reyes want to convey to young people?
Daniela encourages young people to value authenticity and not to rely on filters to express their best selves. She urges them to discover their true identity and use their voice for genuine impact.
How does Daniela incorporate her Cuban heritage into her pageant platform?
Daniela incorporates her Cuban roots by showcasing the resilience and creativity inherent to her culture, emphasizing the value of authenticity over the pursuit of perfection.