Social media redefines title of celebrity

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Since the early 20th century, Hollywood celebrities have shined brighter than any star in the sky.

From leading lady Audrey Hepburn to action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, stars have fascinated society for decades.

Recently, social media has changed what it means to be a celebrity.

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In the past, celebrities were people who gained fame and fortune through music, film, television or sports. Recently, people gained fame by sharing their day-to-day lives on national television like the infamous family on “Keeping up with the Kardashians.” The family received the title after garnering millions of viewers who fell in love with their family dynamics.

Throughout the years, what it means to be a celebrity has constantly evolved to the point where uploading a three second video on YouTube can transform the relatively unknown into a star.

In recent years, social media has served as a platform for anyone willing to share a particular message all while reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

These celebrities are often referred to as Internet personalities. On a daily basis, hundreds of ordinary people become celebrities without leaving their home. YouTube makes it possible for anyone to become a celebrity as popular as Brad Pitt and George Clooney combined.

It seems as though being a celebrity isn’t as singular as it once was. A title that was once used to refer to Hollywood’s finest is now a title millions of others share.

This newfound celebrity movement started in 2005 when the first YouTube video entitled “Me at the Zoo” was uploaded. Ten years later, millions of people have uploaded videos sharing everything from their makeup application skills to their political views.

Soon, everyone will be a celebrity in their own right. It’ll be interesting to see how the title of celebrity evolves in the next decade.