Although the question may ask "how have celebrities changed in response to the rise of social media?" I think the more pressing question is who can be classed as a celebrity in the first place? How has social media created a new batch of celebrities and changed the definition of celebrity?
Due to globalisation and the popularity of social networking sites, it is easy for everyday individuals to simply post something online which can then catapult them into stardom. Marshall defines a Celebrity as "a particularly powerful and persuasive trope for contemporary culture" (2013). These days you don't necessarily need to have talent to become a celebrity (Sorry Kardashian Family) but it is more a case of how people can become famous as a result of the rise of social media and how they can utilise these sites to further their fame. For example, the YouTube sensation Jenna Marbles was sharing a three bedroom house in Massachusetts whilst working four jobs to pay the rent each month. After her first video called "Drunk Make Up Tutorial" went viral she she now lives in 1 million dollar house in California, her YouTube videos get at least five million hits each time and has more Instagram followers then Oprah. Social Media has the power to create celebrities and change lives.
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| Jenna Marbles found fame through YouTube Source: twitter.com |
For the Celebrities who were already famous before the social media rise utilise these online platforms to further promote their brand. That brand being themselves. Marshall describes this as a "specular economy" (2010) as the celebrity culture continues to expand to more platforms then ever. A celebrity making the most of the powers of social media would be the ever controversial Miley Cyrus. After that VMA's performance and her recent, drastic transformation, Miley has blown up the online world gaining more popularity then ever. Due to her antics on and offline her latest single "Wrecking Ball" has broken the Vevo record for fastest views in six days, which reached over a hundred million views. Her strong online presence on a range of sites has boosted her stardom and her record sales. proving the power of social media
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| Miley Cyrus' Twitter Feed after "Wrecking Ball" broke the Vevo record Source: https://twitter.com/MileyCyrus |
Thanks to social media and the power of globalisation it is now possible for anyone to become a celebrity anywhere. Its not HOW have celebrities changed, but the definition of celebrity has changed, and how the famous are using these platforms to gain a further audience.
References:
Marshall, P. David, 2010. The Specular Economy. Springer Science Business Media, , pp 498-502.
Marshall, P. David, 2013. Persona Studies:Mapping the Proliferation of the public self. Sage Publications, pp 2-18.
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteIve got to say this is one of your most interesting blog posts so far and i thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I like how you changed the direction of question from 'how have celebrities changed in response to the rise of social media?" to 'who can be classified as a celebrity?'. This was extremely effective as it was a gateway for the rest of your discussion, and it helped by making your whole blog consistent in your argument. I especially agree with you that people can become celebrities because of social media, and this is mainly evident through Instagram and Youtube. The social media is a powerful tool in a globalised world because everyone responds to the changes in social media regardless of where they come from. Images that you used were relevant as well! However, the only recommendation i have is that maybe it would have been even more useful to provide a quote from marshal for the ending of your blog! Well done!
Emma, the questions that you posed at the beginning of this post were essential in determining the direction of your discussion. I also agree with the questions, what makes someone a celebrity? A mass following on a social media platform? The number of “regular” people, who have found fame through the use of social media such as Jenna Marbles, is astounding. It is through globalisation and the unrivalled success of social media that this has become possible in today’s society. The inclusions of definitions from Marshall were effective in explaining both celebrity and the specular economy. Interestingly, established celebrities are now clamouring for attention via social media, in some cases, opting to post provocative images or videos to gain worldwide attention.
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read your blog. The question 'What makes someone a celebrity' is an interesting one. I agree that who is a celebrity has changed drastically due to social media. Social media has provided a platform for everyday people to be able to express themselves and become famous as in the case of Jenna Marbles and Miley Cyrus. Knowing how to use social media to their advantage is a key component of their success. The images you used were relevant to the piece as well as this week's readings.Great blog.
Cheers Karina
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your view on what makes someone a celebrity. A celebrity does not have to become a celebrity by becoming an artist or acting in movies but it is possible to become a celebrity by just posting a random video of your cat playing the guitar... I am just proving a point. I agree with the fact that you said it is social media which makes someone famous especially on YouTube. It is the views that make a person famous thus making them a celebrity. Good post, I found it entertaining!
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteThis was a great and easy read. Your question 'What is a celebrity?' creates large debate and was interesting to bring to my attention as it got me thinking. Celebrity have definitely changed over time due to social media, as we are more concerned on their love life or rehab stints more then their artistic abilities. Jenna Marbles was a great example as she has risen to fame based purling through social media.
Not much to fault on this blog it was a great read and i gathered a lot from it! Well done!