Over time, social media has proven to be very useful to celebrities in many ways, including:
1. Increased accessibility and fan engagement: The good old days were “not so good” for celebrities. They had to rely solely on traditional media like interviews, public appearances, and magazines to connect with fans. It was all so…one-way.
But with social media, it’s a whole different ball game. Now, they can just post a selfie and boom! Instant connection with fans. They can immediately respond to comments, engage in Q&A sessions and even banter or joke with their followers, turning fans into a community rather than just an audience.
2. Personal branding: Social media has completely changed the game for celebrities in a way that’s both powerful and personal. Celebrities now get to showcase their personalities, passions and values beyond just their work. We the fans get to see the real them (or at least, the version they want us to see).
3. Marketing and promotion: Marketing and promotion used to be a slow, complicated process for celebrities. They had to depend mostly on print ads, TV commercials, or magazine features to get their name out there, which took time and often a big budget.
Being an “influencer” wasn’t even a thing back then because it wasn’t easy to gain large access to fans or people in general. But now, with the help of social media platforms, it’s way easier. Whether it’s announcing a new project, endorsing a brand, or creating buzz for an event, they can reach millions of people with just one post, in a matter of minutes.
Nevertheless, social media can be a double-edged sword for celebrities. On one hand, it provides a platform to connect with fans and improve reach. On the other hand, it can have detrimental effects.
Negative impact of social media on celebrities
1. Loss of personal identity: As we scroll through our feeds, we’re often mesmerized by the glamorous lives of celebrities. But behind the perfectly tailored posts and selfies, might lie a different story. Then, the moment a candid viral video or picture reveals a reality that doesn’t match the image they’ve been projecting, we’re quick to label them as “fake.”
We immediately blame them for concealing their true selves and for losing their identities amid fame. But what if you and I are at fault? What if the picture of who they truly are has been blurred by the image we demanded they become?
2. Unrealistic expectations: Social media can be a scary place for celebrities, especially because of the unrealistic beauty standards, constant comparisons, and flawless lifestyles expected of them by none other than us – the fans.
Also, most times, these celebrities have no choice but to conform to these expectations, trying really hard to meet them, usually out of the desire for validation, the need to maintain their image and livelihood, and the fear of backlash or losing fans.
3. Mental health concerns: This pressure to maintain a perfect online image comes at a very expensive price; their mental health. Some celebrities find themselves borrowing money from friends or taking out loans to afford the expensive lifestyle expected of them. This financial strain can lead to a great amount of stress.
Apart from that, imagine a female celebrity whose comment section is constantly filled with harsh criticism about how she looks and thereafter feels compelled to alter her body, through risky procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) to achieve the “ideal” curves promoted on social media.
Or a male celebrity constantly facing scrutiny over his physique, thereby pushing him to extreme measures: from excessive workouts and strict diets to risky cosmetic procedures to enhance his bodily features.
But guess what? the risks of these surgeries aren’t the only downside.. Some celebrities may spiral into depression, feeling disconnected from their true selves and unable to ask for help, fearing it might damage their carefully crafted image. Others might turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb the pressure and tension.
Fake life, real consequences.
