Dua Lipa reveals how online criticism impacted her mental health

Dua Lipa opened up about the darker side of fame, reflecting on how social media criticism early in her career took a toll on her confidence and mental health.

In a resurfaced interview, the pop star recalled facing intense online backlash following the release of her debut album, admitting the experience left her feeling anxious and questioning her place in the industry. 

“I experienced a tonne of bullying,” she said, explaining that the criticism made her feel “like I wasn’t good enough” and even led her to wonder if she was “meant to be here and on the stage.”

The scrutiny didn’t ease even after major career milestones. 

Despite her success, including Grammy recognition, Lipa said she continued to face harsh commentary, with critics questioning her talent and stage presence based on short clips circulating online.

According to the singer, social media’s “snippet” culture often amplifies fleeting moments, turning them into defining narratives. 

“They would take one small snippet and run with it and it would become a whole thing,” she explained, highlighting how context is frequently lost in viral content.

The impact extended beyond public perception, affecting her mindset while performing. 

Lipa revealed that, at one point, being filmed during shows triggered self-doubt rather than excitement. Instead of seeing it as fan appreciation, she feared people were recording her “so they can laugh at me.”

While she acknowledged that the experience was temporary, the singer noted it significantly affected her mental well-being during that period.