Celebrity Status: Being Famous Has Lost Its Authenticity
Over the past decade, social media has blown up in popularity as more platforms emerge and people diversify their presence among them. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok or YouTube, it’s safe to say the average person born after 1990 has more than one of these social media outlets downloaded on their phone.
Although the diversity of social media encouraged the world of networking, it has also closed the door for originality. Over time, platforms have merged and have made it too easy for public figures to expand their online presence regardless of their talent. It has also given every user the ability to rise to fame with the luck of an algorithm and without much effort.
A TikTok video goes viral, and one might have just established their career as a social media influencer. From there, they start a YouTube channel and maybe even venture into making music.
Now, this is not saying that social media convergence is a bad thing, but what once had the beauty of a rare gem is now like every other parking lot rock.
Here’s an example:
Reality TV shows are entertaining to say the least. Shows like “The Bachelor” bring people previously unheard of by the public into the spotlight to give them a chance to find love. However, because “The Bachelor” is watched by people all around the world, if contestants make it past the first couple rounds of elimination, it is almost a guarantee that even if they don’t walk away with a ring on their finger, they will walk away with a social media career.
Their following will grow and after the conclusion of the show, they branch out on as many social media platforms as possible, with a career laid in their hands as they become content creators and accept brand deals. Most will even quit their college degree jobs and become influencers full-time.
According to U.S. Magazine, Hannah Brown, a star on both “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” earned a communications and information technology degree at the University of Alabama and became an interior designer in Northport, Alabama. However, after becoming a reality TV sensation, Brown has appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” and grew her career as an Instagramer, YouTuber, author and much more.
Social media influencers such as Charlie and Dixie D’Amelio acquired their online personalities through actively posting on TikTok amassing nearly 192 million followers combined — but they have not stopped there. Beyond Instagram, Charlie started a YouTube channel which includes videos such as a slime review, a get ready with me and making hot chocolate bombs. Meanwhile, Dixie has become part of the music industry and now produces and performs original songs such as “Be Happy” and “One Whole Day” that can be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify.
To add to the D’Amelio hype, their reality show docudrama “The D’Amelio Show” debuted Sept. 3, 2021, on Hulu. But was this necessary? Is there something more extraordinary about the D’Amelios than the average family that an entire show was needed to place their lives on a pedestal?
The problem with social media convergence lies with the fact that anyone can be a content creator and can switch between social media platforms regardless of their passions or talent. The more ways influencers expand their following, the more money they make.
But it strips originality that was found in platforms such as YouTube and Vine when they first came out. Instead of pursuing one platform that fits their personality, influencers have flocked to all platforms regardless of the quality of their content.
And where is the originality in that?
Shank is the Editor-in-Chief. Follow her on Twitter