By definition, celebrities have always been in the spotlight, with unflattering photos, serious accusations and crazy scandals. With the recent popularity of social media, there has been a fascination with the personal lives of influencers and celebrities. This fame is unavoidable and can come with controversy.
Tinley Gram ’27 doesn’t keep up with the celebrity and influencer drama unless it is a big deal or seems necessary. She agrees that the common obsession with influencers’ and celebrities’ lives can be excessive at times.
“Celebrities always have to be super careful about what they say,” Gram said. “I feel like they just shouldn’t have to have so much pressure on them with what they do in their private everyday lives.”
Gram believes that although celebrities are aware that fame comes with public attention, they still deserve to have a separation. Others disagree and argue that many celebrities and influencers build their platform due to public exposure.
Julia Franckowiak ’27 enjoys following celebrity news. She believes that when someone chooses fame or an entertainment career, they should be aware of the consequences that come with it.
“When people get famous, obviously, the paparazzi and stuff are gonna make drama up about them,” Franckowiak said. “It’s part of being famous.”
The idea that a celebrity’s fame comes with unavoidable consequences and attention has become especially pronounced with the rise of social media popularity. Recently, social media has become a news outlet for many, meaning the media will profit from anything that gets them clicks.
Although the paparazzi are part of fame, sometimes it can become too much. Courtney Johnson, South’s librarian, is off social media and tends to ignore celebrity news. She believes that the media will do anything for profit.
“I think the media distorts things and makes it even worse,” Johnson said, “ You can take a picture at a really unflattering angle or add a salacious headline, and suddenly it looks like a scandal.”
This kind of exaggeration has made it incredibly difficult for celebrities to go out into public and have a peaceful and uneventful experience. Every photo and quote can be interpreted or twisted in a way that consumers will obsess over. Social media is still on the rise and the general public still obsesses over any celebrity action. Some may believe it is not fair for celebrities, as they may not be able to maintain a completely private life, but Johnson sees the attention they receive as all being part of fame.
“I don’t even think people care anymore if it’s real or not,” Johnson said. “They just want to get invested in something outrageous.”
