Celebrities attract adoring fans and generate immense media attention, often due to their innate talents or popular persona. They may become famous for their performances in music, film or sports, for their business acumen or philanthropic efforts. However, the concept of celebrity is a complex phenomenon that reflects wider social trends and issues. For example, the recent rise of influencers and “celebrity culture” illustrates how traditional gatekeeping structures are being democratized through new technology. This democratization poses ethical questions, as it opens the door for celebrities to promote misinformation or divisive ideologies. Celebrities are also subject to intense scrutiny, often requiring the protection of their privacy to maintain their popularity and health.
The history of celebrity has been marked by an escalation in the power and influence of fame. The earliest meanings of the word, recorded in English in the C15 and C16, were “a rite or ceremony to celebrate an event” and “an observance of crowds.” These early definitions reflect the importance of celebrity’s status as an expression of a desire for spirituality, euphoria and a sense of belonging.
By the early 20th century, Hollywood’s studio system had consolidated celebrity into a culture of glamour and excess, with stars becoming larger than life characters far removed from their real-life personae. The media’s transmission of these images created a sense of intimacy between the public and celebrities, which persists to this day. People Magazine and other celebrity gossip publications heighten this illusion of closeness by sharing intimate details about celebrities’ lives.
As a result, many viewers view their favorite celebrities as their intimate friends, creating a sense of familiarity and connection that can even be sexualized. This can contribute to mental and physical problems, such as depression, eating disorders, addictions, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In some cases, celebrities are stalked by their fans, and this can lead to violence or suicide.
Celebrities also have a powerful influence on their followers, often affecting young people’s body image and lifestyle choices. This can create an unhealthy and unrealistic model for young people, leading to body shaming, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. The popularity of certain musicians can create a fan frenzy, such as the one that occurred around the composer Lisztomania in the 19th century.
The emergence of celebrity culture in the 21st century has been largely driven by social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Individuals who can produce engaging content, such as humor, fashion or lifestyle vlogging, can cultivate their own following and achieve celebrity status. This shift has brought with it a new kind of celebrity, one based not on traditional accomplishments but on online presence and influence. This democratization has opened the doors to many more people than previously would have been possible, but it can raise concerns about the potential for misinformation and social division. Nevertheless, many celebrities use their positions of influence to bring attention to important societal issues, thus increasing their ability to make a difference.
