In her chapter on The Fabulous Lives of Micro-Celebrities, Marwick argues that it is
the state
of being famous to a niche group of people that lies at the very center of
status in our world. Marwick
wrote, becoming a micro-celebrity involves “creating a persona, producing
content, and strategically appealing to online fans by being authentic,” in the
sense that they “are expected to be more available and more ‘real’ than stars
of the screen or stage” (114). Thus, their fame is considered micro, as it does
not occur on the red carpet, on the big screen, or because of how well known
they are, but rather it arises out of something that they have done with the
aid of social media technologies, such as Instagram, Vine, YouTube, or Twitter.
You could say that their fame is gained from the grassroots level. According to
Marwick, there are two ways to becoming a micro-celebrity: from ascribed to
achieved – pretty straightforward right? She notes that micro-celebrity is
ascribed to those who are well known in specific subcultures, and that it is
achieved through a self-representation strategy.
New York native Jen Selter squatted her way
to becoming known as the “butt selfie” or “belfie” queen of Instagram (and
Twitter), where she presents her 7.5 million fans with not only fitness and
exercises selfies, but diet and exercise advice on how to achieve a toned
behind like hers. While the feedback from Instagram users isn’t always
positive, Selter continues to post positive and encouraging messages for anyone
that follows her on social media. Additionally, she receives attention from not
only the Instagram and Twitter community, but from clothing and nutrition
companies as well. Selter is therefore an example of an achieved
micro-celebrity status based on the way that she shares personal information
about herself, acknowledges her audience by identifying them as her fans, and by
the way that she strategically reveals information in order to increase and
maintain her audience. All of which is comprised in achieving a micro-celebrity
status as stated by Marwick.
So, would you agree that fame as we know it
has changed? Why or why not? Do you think that these new kinds of celebrities, often
regarded as ‘micro-celebrities’
and the way they come to achieve their Internet fame is beneficial to the rest
of society? Who is your favourite micro-celebrity from social media platforms
such as Vine, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or Blogs?
Hi Brittany,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post that is applicable and relevant to Web 2.0. To respond to your questions, I wouldn't say fame has changed "as we know it" I would just say that there is certainly a new kind of "fame" on the block due to the fact that traditional "big shot/red carpet" fame is still prevalent. I wouldn't say that these micro-celebrities are actually beneficial to society especially seeing as the individual you posted about became famous due to pictures of her behind... It just baffles me how weird topics like this can become so viral and/or even vital to the social media scene. Although her fitness posts could be argued as beneficial because they help people with their self confidence, physical well-being etc.
I used Andy Warhol's quote once before on these blogs. "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."
ReplyDeleteThe concept of fame has definitely evolved due to these new social networking technologies. Although there is a red carpet for Hollywood celebrities, YouTube has its own version of the red carpet for its celebrities.
The way they achieve their fame is not beneficial. However, what they do on social media can be! For example, there are many YouTube celebrities that are celebrities because they teach science or mechanics. Furthermore, a lot of musicians get their big break on YouTube.
I agree with Heather that some of the viral topics are extremely weird.
I agree with Heather, in that there is a new kind of fame emerging from social media sources. When I think about my favourite celebrity, I personally still think about a “red carpet” celebrity, rather than a social media celebrity. However, I can also think of various social media celebrities that are extremely popular – perhaps more popular than some “red carpet” celebrities.
ReplyDeleteJenna Marbles is the first one that comes to my mind. She produces various YouTube videos with the sole purpose of pure entertainment. I read an article online about her, which says that she has more Facebook fans than some “red carpet” celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, and more Instagram followers than Oprah! Although I would like to say that these micro-celebrities will never become more popular than “red carpet” celebrities, it seems as though this is already the case.
Another thought I had was about where people from reality shows would be categorized. Men and women from “The Bachelor” have huge fan bases on social media after being on the show, but I wouldn’t say they are “red carpet” celebrities, nor are they “social media” celebrities. Where would you categorize these people? Would you agree that their fame is ascribed?
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/04/who-is-jenna-marbles-and-why-is-she-so-popular/
I would also agree that fame as we know it has not changed. I think we still think of celebrities in the traditional red carpet way, but now we just have a new additional category of celebrities. I would argue that whether the fame that micro-celebrities achieve is beneficial to society depends on what type of micro-celebrity we are talking about. I think that there are a lot of positive communities built around some micro-celebrities, and that sometimes these celebrities use their fame for social good. An example of a micro-celebrity is Amy Purdy who uses her fame to inspire people on Instagram with her story of overcoming obstacles, learning how to snowboard again after having both her legs amputated. Another positive community that has grown is the Tone It Up community on Youtube and Instagram created by two fitness trainers Karena and Katrina, encouraging females to live a healthy lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with the notion that fame as we knew it has changed since the introduction of common daily use of social media. However, I believe that celebrities known as “micro-celebrities” as Marwick calls them, are beneficial to the rest of society. Yes they only are favored by a niche group of individuals but micro-celebrities have the opportunity to positively influence portions of society in varying ways. Micro-celebrities can focus their fame about promoting positive thinking, healthy lifestyles, over-coming tragedies and more. Therefore the opportunity to help others in need of support, reassurance or motivation is there. For example, a micro-celebrity that focuses on how to maintain a positive, uplifting lifestyle for individuals with types of mental illness can seriously help change lives. On another note, my favourite micro-celebrity is “Brittnebabe” and she is an inspirational, fitness trainer. Her meal plans, workout tips and authentic approach has definitely made me consider myself a real fan.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that I believe that fame as was know it has changed. I think that technology has enabled us to connect in ways not made possible with mass media thus influencing the rise of micro-celebrities. I would say that these micro-celebrities may better be labeled as niche-celebrities as technology is able to form connections across vast geographies enabling groups of people to form on these communities. I don't think that all people who achieve this Internet fame are beneficial but I do think its enabling a more personalized form of media.
ReplyDelete