Written Analysis 3: Heroes and The Cult of the Celebrity

Written Analysis 3: Heroes and The Cult of the Celebrity 

Due Date March 13, 2016

            

            Social media is not only a tool used for networking, but it is also used for news and following important events around the world. Another large part of social media is being able to follow celebrities and take a peek into their lives. The Cult of the Celebrity theory would apply to this topic. Before social media, everything that was shown was approved by producers, managers, etc. and displayed on the television or movie screen. Now, celebrities have their social media accounts that they manage and use to correspond with their fans. They will post pictures of their daily lives, homes, children, and vacations. They utilize the tools just as the everyday person would do. 

            Today, so many celebrities use social media as a marketing tool for themselves, but also to connect with their fans on a personal basis. They also use it to connect with other celebrities. Recently there has been a Twitter war with Kanye West and other celebs. Kanye is known for being over the top, and aggressive and social media has offered him an outlet to voice his opinions for all to hear! His wife Kim Kardashian is also prevalent on social media. Tabloids have stated there are possible marriage issues due to Kanye's behavior on social media. The ability to have an outlet to speak to the world at your fingertips can be a good thing, but also a dangerous thing. In this case, it seems it may be a dangerous situation for their relationship. 

Instagram is commonly used by celebs to post personal pictures of themselves and their families. I will admit, it can be intriguing to look into their everyday lives and see how they are similar to most of us. I do feel that it causes people who see what they do or have, to lose a sense of perception or reality. They see that their favorite celeb has the latest designer purse, car or fabulous home, so they think why can I have that? The result may lead to poor financial decisions trying to maintain a lifestyle that is not realistic. This could inevitably cause relationship issues, as financial strain is one of the most common reasons for relationship problems.

 The insight gained from The Cult of the Celebrity is to realize that although this may look like their everyday personal lives, many things online are fabricated, just as on television and in the movies. It's important not to lose yourself, your life and your relationships concerned with what everyone else, including celebrities, are doing on social media.