Did social media make the Kardashians famous? (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The … [+]
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Fame comes at a price. For many celebrities, it’s just difficult to leave home without having to deal with fans, who often don’t respect the concept of “personal space.” But in the social media era, where every actor, singer, model, and athlete is expected to be on social platforms, it can lead to heightened anxiety.
While anyone can crack a joke that goes “too far,” commit a seemingly minor faux pas on Facebook, or accidentally “like” the wrong tweet, for celebrities, the wrong move can derail careers and put PR teams in “damage control.” ” send. “
This explains why many celebrities choose to opt out of social platforms; Some say they do this for their sanity. However, the decision to bid farewell to social media didn’t start with the celebrities.
“This movement started years ago with increased funding for mental health-related research and then public health campaigns to bring attention to the data,” said Dr. Allison Forti, associate teaching professor and associate director of the Department of Counseling Online Programs at Wake Forest University.
This, in turn, led to universities developing wellness-related programs to improve learning outcomes and larger companies emphasizing mental health to increase productivity.
“These early interventions to destigmatize mental health led public figures to realize they had a unique opportunity to bring mental health awareness into the mainstream,” Forti added. “Public dialogue, coupled with increased use of social media platforms and technology, paved the way for the current movement we are seeing. Now people are readily acknowledging that it is becoming easier to take a mental health day off work, discussing depression and anxiety, and mental health counseling is increasingly becoming so.”
Celebrities and Fame
Celebrities actually need to be seen as this big break probably won’t come without “getting out of there”. However, once the person’s name takes the spotlight, social media helps them stay relevant to an increasingly fickle audience.
“Social media is not necessary to stay relevant when it comes to A-list musicians, actors/actresses and professional athletes. However, celebrities using social media can more closely connect with their fans and create a more curated fan experience,” explained Celebrity Publicist Danielle Sabrina, Founder of Tribe Builder Media. “Apart from staying relevant, celebrities can use social media followers to increase revenue for their business, sell tickets, drive music downloads, etc.
True A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian still use their social media followers to drive sales and brand awareness for their products.
“Social media can be a powerful tool for celebrities looking to make a comeback or respond to backlash or false narratives. Additionally, social platforms offer a form of communication with fans and the general public that doesn’t rely on traditional media outlets,” Sabrina added. “At the other end of the spectrum, there could be newly emerging celebrities and influencers struggling to grab the spotlight staying, having a hard time not using social media.”
The new medium
It should also be remembered that Elizabeth Taylor and Jimmy Stewart have built decades-long careers without social media, while screen legend Greta Garbo arguably would have blocked all potential followers had she even signed up for the services.
“There are many celebrities who aren’t known for their social media posts, so celebrities can be popular without posting on social media,” said Dr. Mai-Ly Steers, PhD, Assistant Professor at Duquesne University School of Nursing.
More importantly, the concept of celebrity existed long before social media. However, it must be remembered that many actors/actresses from the silent era had difficulty breaking into ‘talkie’ and Lucile Ball and George Burns are among the few radio stars who made the leap to television.
“Celebrities existed before television, but if they didn’t evolve from radio, they would eventually fade away. Just like Kevin Hart, The Rock and every Kardashian/Jenner, to get the most attention you have to meet the audience where they are – social media,” warned Dr. Dustin York, associate professor of communications at Maryville University.
The Kardashians could be a good example of how a celebrity can even become a brand via social media.
“It helps them speak directly to their fans,” Steers said.
“Celebrities sharing their projects directly with their fans via social media is exactly why brands like FashionNova spend over $40 million annually on influencer marketing — it works,” York added. “For example, if you’re promoting a new movie on Netflix, what makes you think a potential viewer will see your commercial sandwiched between anxiety medication and a pickup truck commercial on CBS? Celebrities need to use their authenticity and direct communication to reach fans directly on social media.”
Another downside of social media and celebrities may not only affect the celebrities.
“Fans can even develop parasocial relationships — a one-way relationship where the fan feels like they know a celebrity intimately based on their social media posts,” Steers said.
While not healthy for some users, this can still be good for the celebrities and their influence as it can create desire for the products that the Kardashians or other celebrities are promoting.
In the end, even if some of the most famous drop out, chances are they’ll show up on another platform – because the limelight always calls.
“In the future, if there’s another platform that people start favoring,” Steers said, “celebrities who have built a brand on one platform will naturally migrate to the new social media platform and build a following there.” “
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