Before the 2000s, fame was exclusive.
Movie stars and musicians were scrutinized and almost worshiped by the public, as their lifestyle and glamor seemed otherworldly, unattainable. Exposure to these celebrities most of the time was limited to paparazzi photos in the press, going to the films they were in, or listening to their songs on the radio (Jacobs).
And trying to be one of these coveted stars was no easy feat either. “Becoming famous in the [1900’s] took years of effort by studios, labels, producers, agents and managers”, writes Eric Dahan, reporter for Forbes. These handful of high-profile celebrities were far and few between, being “the kinds of globe-conquering performers who can attract millions of fans, get risky projects greenlit, and help keep countless jobs afloat” (Raftery).
In other words, celebrity culture was vastly different to what we are familiar with now. As with the rise of the internet—and more specifically, social media—the concept of fame has changed. In fact, now anyone can be famous.
Social media has opened up doors to fame that were previously impossible. Platforms like Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram allow for anonymous people to become internet sensations practically overnight. Instead of talent agents, people utilize the digital algorithms of these to blow up their followings. The concept of the ‘social media influencer’ is a perfect example of the unique type of fame that originated online. Social media influencers are simply just people with followings who create content online: ranging from vloggers, streamers, and more. There is a niche to be found for everyone, and that only adds to the appeal of digital fame.
"Everyone has something worth sharing and the digital audience is proactive in embracing relevant content. Social media platforms allow you to bypass the maze of gatekeepers and just go for it."- Eric Dahan
The rise of these influencers has made waves in celebrity culture and marketing strategies of today. To be a modern celebrity basically requires an online presence, as the internet allows for a whole new range of influence and audiences. Nowadays, we’ve come to expect for our celebrities to “post regularly on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube, are relatable during interviews, and attempt to have seemingly genuine relationships with their fans” (Mitchell). While social status/esteem was emphasized for older generations of celebrities, audiences of today would much rather see authenticity. Traits like relatability and honesty are much more valued in a world where media can be corrupted.
However, the involvement of the internet in celebrity culture has also “brought accountability to the world of celebrity” (Mitchell). Public figures are much more likely to be called out on their wrongdoings. Things like cancel culture, for better or for worse, would likely not be able to exist without the breadth and accessibility of information that the internet provides.
“All actions, past, present, and future are much more visible now, so it is much easier to see when someone says or does something that we find unacceptable, and stop supporting that person or company.” - Lineyah Mitchell
So while it used to be restricted, fame is now for everyone. And there’s no guarantee for what it will look like in the future. As new technologies like virtual reality and AI continue to progress, we could very well see a completely different entertainment industry a few years from now. The outcome could be "the most dramatic shift ever in the way that stories are made, told, and consumed," says filmmaker Joe Russo (Raftery).
But for now, it’s an open playing field - and access to fame has never been closer.