The Shift from Celebrity Worship to Meaningful Engagement
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Chapter 1: A Glimpse into Celebrity Culture
As a young person, I was captivated by the lives of the affluent and famous, engrossed in shows like TMZ and reading the notorious Perez Hilton blog during the early 2000s. My high school even blocked these sites on school networks, but us resourceful Millennial teens always found ways around the restrictions. We were eager to learn about Britney Spears, celebrity feuds, and the latest fashion statements.
Growing up in a small town in Eastern Canada, the lack of excitement led my friends and me to fabricate our own Hollywood fantasies. We were a quirky group longing to escape our hometown and experience the dazzling lives we saw on screen. We even created our own mock tabloids, photoshopping ourselves into fictional narratives. Imagine a playful version of the "Mean Girls" burn book where everyone was in on the joke.
One vivid memory from our early 2000s obsession with celebrity culture was our Friday night game called "Paparazzi." We gathered in basements, each armed with digital cameras or flip phones (remember those Nokias?). One friend would play the role of a celebrity for 15 minutes while the rest of us chased them around the house and yard, snapping photos and shouting absurd questions like, "Are you really expecting a baby?!" And just to clarify, we weren't the cool kids; our only vice was caffeinated Coca-Cola.
We embodied the tabloid frenzy of the early 2000s, fixating on TMZ much like today’s youth are drawn to social media influencers. Why were we so consumed by this? Perhaps it was a mix of youthful boredom and an overwhelming curiosity about lives so different from our own. However, a significant factor was the burgeoning culture of celebrity worship, which has only intensified over time.
Now, however, an intriguing shift is occurring. During this year's MET Gala, social media users juxtaposed footage of celebrities (who each paid for their tickets) with images depicting war and famine in various regions worldwide. Many began to label the Gala as a real-life version of the Hunger Games, humorously suggesting that we ordinary folks are akin to those in the Districts.
In less than a day, a movement emerged:
The Digitine: Off with their digital heads!
The term "Digitine" blends "digital" and "guillotine." It gained traction after influencer Baylee attended the MET Gala in a Marie Antoinette-inspired dress, accompanied by a voiceover of Kirsten Dunst from the film saying, "Let them eat cake."
Bring back the guillotine! Eat the rich!
The online community expressed growing frustration over celebrity culture. While I won't delve into whether celebrities should be obligated to address social justice issues, there is much to discuss regarding the evolving landscape of pop culture in recent years and how the Digitine might offer benefits.
Initially, the pandemic highlighted the stark differences in lockdown experiences between the wealthy and the average person. As inflation surged, we watched the rich amass even more wealth while everyday living costs skyrocketed. Amid wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, many questioned why those with the largest platforms remained silent on pressing issues.
People are increasingly weary of the Kardashians flaunting their wealth and the latest cosmetic enhancements, with frustration peaking as Kim Kardashian appeared in a corset at the MET Gala. Enough is enough.
The once-aspirational lives of the affluent, promoted by the iconic "American Dream" narrative, have crumbled as our struggles intensify while their lives remain unchanged.
Thus emerged the Digitine: a movement advocating for the unfollowing of any celebrity (including influencers) who choose to remain silent on crucial justice issues. This initiative is dubbed Blockout2024.
Why the Digitine Could Be Beneficial for Society
Kim Kardashian reportedly lost over three million followers on the first day of the blockout. Whether this movement will effect meaningful change in encouraging celebrities to address social issues remains to be seen. However, the Digitine and its mass unfollow campaign may also inspire a shift away from idolizing celebrities, which could be healthier for everyone.
Celebrities play a significant role in the Attention Economy. They showcase their physical appearances, promote products, and highlight their charismatic personalities to cultivate and maintain an audience. Influencers and creators must continuously produce content to stay relevant, especially as they launch an array of unnecessary products (how many clothing lines made in sweatshops do we really need?).
I grew up idolizing famous individuals and now work in the film industry, where I have met some of the very people I once admired. Over time, the thrill of working with celebrities diminishes as I realize they are just ordinary people. Some are kind and humorous, while others prefer solitude to read their books. And yes, some possess egos even larger than expected.
These individuals are simply human, often with more resources and a recognizable face.
Saying that my career in film has cured any lingering celebrity worship is an understatement. When these figures become colleagues, their devoted fan bases can seem quite strange. I find it difficult to comprehend how someone could develop a para-social relationship with me, defending my honor without ever having met me.
Yet, Taylor Swift is revered almost like a goddess, despite her millions of fans not knowing her personally. She can contribute significantly to carbon emissions through her annual flights, yet we remain entranced by her relationships.
What if we redirected our cultural fixation on celebrities to more meaningful pursuits? Perhaps that is the core benefit of the Digitine.
Creating a Culture Beyond Celebrity
Following fewer celebrities, with their flawless (read: photoshopped) bodies, desirable homes, and luxurious lifestyles, could substantially improve our mental health. Studies indicate that individuals who limit their exposure to such images generally experience better mental health and a reduced risk of eating disorders.
By paying less attention to celebrities, we can free our minds for other types of content, or perhaps for moments of silence. How much of the endless stream of stories, photos, and TikToks is just superficial fluff that adds no value to our lives? Maybe we should all read more books, enjoy nature, or fill our feeds with cute cats (which has undeniably improved my mental well-being).
Reducing our focus on celebrities can also transform the consumer market and advertising standards. Most celebrity posts aim to market something to us. If there’s no paid partnership, they are the product—a product of envy, desire, and aspiration. They become brands within human forms.
We can appreciate the work of celebrities—be it a new album, film, or other creative endeavors—without getting caught up in the noise. It’s about cutting through the distractions to appreciate only what truly matters: the art we admire.
If they lack work that resonates with us, why do we continue to follow them?
I wish to celebrate the creations of well-known individuals but no longer feel the need to know their daily lives. Ultimately, famous people are no more intriguing than any of us; they simply have greater resources and the power to capture our attention.
Perhaps what the Digitine truly offers is a means to distance ourselves from the vanity, distraction, and consumerism inherent in celebrity culture. Consider it another step toward detaching from the Attention Economy.
The most pressing questions we must pose to ourselves are:
- Why do I follow these individuals?
- What value do they bring to my life?
- How would my life change if I paid less attention to them?
Block away! Or don't. I'm merely a voice on the internet, suggesting we all step outside and connect with the world around us. It’s far more accessible than any celebrity ever will be.
If you’d like to support my work, feel free to check out my Substack!
Chapter 2: The Rise of the Digitine Movement
In recent discussions around celebrity culture, two compelling videos have emerged, highlighting the changing dynamics of fame and its impact on society.
The first video, Celebrities Who ADMIT They've Sold Their SOULS To The Devil | Sarcasm Or Truth? (Satan In Hollywood), delves into the darker side of celebrity culture and the implications of fame in today’s society.
The second video, Celebrity Fans Are Weird.., explores the peculiar nature of fandom and the sometimes obsessive relationships fans develop with their idols.