Celebrities are distinctly different to us everyday people. One way to note the difference is the paparazzi constantly following them. Not only do the paparazzi send their photos to relevant newspapers and magazines, today due to the rise of the online world and social media, photos of celebrities are streamed online and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
Social media use by celebrities is somewhat a godsend for them and well, for some of us. According to Marshall (2010) celebrities use social media to show how the “famous” really live and allow their fans to have an insight into their life. Social/digital and mobile media now cover up the line between public and private because celebrities now share their lives publicly online with anyone who wants to see. To see this effectively, search Kim Kardashian on Twitter or Instagram. Is her account on private? No! Because she wants everyone to see how she lives.
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| Kim Kardashian Twitter Page |
The ability for celebrities to use social media is great to promote themselves or their brand. They are able to treat their fans like friends, get themselves back into the spotlight (enter Amanda Bynes!)defend themselves if a negative issue arises (See below photo of Khloe Karashian’s Tweets when defending her husband), and promote their interests and favourite brands. (Social Media Today, 2013)
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| Khloe Kardashian defending her husband Lamar after photos of him were published attacking a paparazzi's car and equipment |
Marshall (2010) explains that the best way to describe this new interaction and form of display to the public is through the term specularity. This can be explained by the mirror effect where the mirror reflects and allows us to see something that may not actually be the truth. The mirror only shows how we look on the outside. Think of yourself and how you represent yourself on Facebook or another social media site. I know people who are shy and quiet when I see them, but on Facebook they are some of the most controversial people I have friended! Explain that! We now live in what is known as a specular economy. This specular economy has risen due to the way people engage online with contemporary culture. (Marshal, 2010). The reasons are due to the newly beginning quick way to send messages online and due to the technology that shows the need and the benefits of interacting through social media- especially to your favourite celebrities. Long gone is the desire to contact your hero! They may retweet you! It happened to my friend! One of the One Direction Boys retweeted her! Lets just say it made her life!
REFERENCES:
Huffington Post UK, (2013), “Lamar Odom Flips out at Photographer, Khloe Kardashians Defends Him On Twitter”, retrieved 18th September 2013, http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/11/lamar-odom-photographers-khloe-kardashian-twitter_n_3578444.html
Marshal, D 2010, ‘The Specular Economy’, Society, vol. 47, no. 6, pp. 498-502
Social Media Today, 2013, “How celebrities use social media to build their brand”, retrieved 18th September 2013,http://socialmediatoday.com/philcohen4/1541596/how-celebrities-use-social-media-build-their-brand
Twitter, 2013, Kim Kardashian, retrieved 18th September 2013, https://twitter.com/KimKardashian
Hey Elise,
ReplyDeleteGreat post this week, it was very clear and concise. You covered the concept of the specular economy rather thoroughly and were able to support this with solid examples. I liked how you touched on the fact that celebrities are able to use social media to promote themselves and develop closer connections with every day people (fans), as well as using it as a platform to defend themselves when something false or negative is said about them. Especially with Twitter having verified accounts, it makes it easier to judge whether or not there is truth to what they are saying, whereas when you read something in a trashy magazine you really have no idea if what you are reading is true or not. You definitely show a deep understanding of Marshall’s reference through your discussion. Your post is very relatable, we all know people who are shy and withdrawn in person, but become a whole new level of out there online! Everything tied together nicely, well done.
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteI like your examples for the topic this week which is Specular Economy. Your ability to connect your argument to the topic using images and quotes are really good! Celebrities do use social media to help improve their public image. And you summarise that really well. You shown a thorough understanding through this post. Very interesting read . Looking forward for the next post!
Rio
Hi Elise,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great and interesting post. You have included a lot of great examples, which you back up with references to the weekly readings. The post has a nice build-up with examples no some of the negative and positive impacts of the use of social media for celebrities. Furthermore your discussion in the end with personal examples works as a great end for the blog and makes the reader think more about the subject.