Celebrity

Celebrity is the state of being famous or widely known. A celebrity is a person who achieves this level of prestige. Modern celebrity usually involves the use of social media and frequent media coverage.

Celebrity may be achieved through actions such as an achievement or public misstep as well as through the cultivation of a fan base. Fans may see the life of a celebrity as a charmed and privileged existence worthy of envy and emulation. While many modern celebrities arise from the entertainment industry, another segment of this population is commonly described as "famous for being famous."

Evolution of the Concept

Psychologists say focusing on those who appear to be on top of the world is a natural part of evolution. Humans as social beings have looked to leaders to know what to do and when to do it, and leadership has influenced social psychology. Long ago, a leader may have been a skilled hunter, a ruler such as a chief or monarch, or a particularly attractive or intelligent individual. Those with aspirations often emulate leaders. This focus on leadership has been recorded throughout history. Stories of gods and legendary war heroes such as Achilles fascinated Greeks and Romans. Helen of Troy still is remembered as a great beauty.

America's first modern celebrity may have been Mark Twain. The author, who recognized the significance of appearance and good press, learned to carefully present himself and broke the rules of fashion by wearing white suits all year round. Twain regularly attended events where he likely would be photographed, and he was skilled in striking a dramatic pose. Without his permission, companies used his likeness to sell products. In 1908, he formed the Mark Twain Corporation and copyrighted his pen name and his image, which allowed him to control the use of both and to sue anyone who used them. The copyright and branding of an individual became important as it attached financial incentive to reaching celebrity status.

Some celebrities are infamous for shocking behavior. Flappers of the 1920s, for example, broke gender stereotypes, defied society's expectations, and established new trends in fashion. Several became early movie stars, further raising their profiles. Today, many people rely on social media—which is saturated with entertainment news—for information about celebrities.

Cult of Celebrity

While following the exploits of a celebrity is simply a hobby for many people, others take it very seriously. The cult of celebrity, or celebrity worship, involves individuals who become deeply interested in celebrity news. Some even feel they have a personal connection to a celebrity and become engaged in the highs and lows of that person's life. Because of the amount of coverage some famous people receive, fans may know more about celebrities than they know about their friends or family members.

Most celebrities maintain a presence on social media sites such as Twitter, where fans follow their posts. Sometimes fans mistakenly feel like they know the celebrity or are friends with this person because they follow their posts. Psychologists call these one-sided connections parasocial relationships. In some cases, people in parasocial relationships may develop obsessive compulsive behaviors or even begin stalking a celebrity.

Psychologists have found that some people are more susceptible to celebrity worship than others. Those who are highly religious, for example, are less likely to worship celebrities, while those who are lonely may feel less isolated by creating a fantasy friendship or romantic relationship with someone famous. People who are vulnerable, such as teenagers or individuals experiencing divorce or other loss, also are more prone to celebrity worship.

Some researchers liken celebrity worship to addiction because fans may experience euphoria when they get the latest update about a celebrity. As with drug addiction, however, some people may crave more information about a celebrity or even a deeper connection with the person to maintain the fantasy relationship.

Researchers report that narcissism is on the rise and have linked an increase in people with narcissistic traits to a rise in celebrity worship. Some psychologists attribute this to progressive parenting styles, which focus on self-esteem over accomplishments. Many educators note that even young children aspire simply to be celebrities and believe it to be effortless and achievable. The widespread availability of around-the-clock news may contribute to this increasing interest in celebrity.

However, parasocial relationships may be beneficial for some. A 2008 study published in the journal Personal Relationships reported that some people with low self-esteem who engaged in parasocial relationships developed a more positive opinion of themselves. It also found that people sometimes formed friendships with other fans of the same celebrity.

"Famous for Being Famous"

Chris Rojek, a professor of sociology, says fame can be inherited, achieved, or ascribed. Ascribed describes celebrity status that is given to someone. Many of those described as "famous for being famous" have gained celebrity status that is not associated with achievement or talent. Social media allows anyone to create a persona using these platforms in the same way celebrities do. The rise of people who are famous for being famous closely parallels developments and increases in social media use.

Reality television has helped to create many celebrities who are simply famous for being famous. Programs such as Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives have raised unknowns to national and international attention. Socialites such as Paris Hilton, who became famous for being in all the right places, have also expanded their reach through reality shows. Print and digital magazines promote and follow these celebrities. Like Mark Twain, many convert their fame into earnings. DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore landed ads for ice cream, while costar Snooki partnered with a company for her own line of slippers. Sisters Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian of Keeping Up with the Kardashians launched their own branded line of clothing, among other products.

Bibliography

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