How Traditional Celebrities are Turning to Social Media to Stay ‘Relevant’
With social media being mandatory for up-and-coming celebrities in the cultural climate we live in today, we are seeing more traditional celebrities appearing on social media (Albidin, 2018; Vanity Fair, 2016). As more traditional celebrities are breaking away from their renowned “hierarchical, exclusive and gate kept” ways through social media, Albidin (2018, p. 6) argues that it is difficult to distinguish internet celebrities and traditional celebrities. The versatility of social media has enabled such celebrities the opportunity to be authentic to their true self and connect with their audiences to create an emotional attachment, similarly to internet celebrities (Kowalczyk and Pounders, 2016). With traditional celebrities starting to adopt “social media strategies [that were] originally generated by internet celebrities”, audiences are debating whether their desire to connect with fans is genuine, or an attempt to stay relevant (Albidin 2018, p. 17). Therefore, this blog will explore the presence of two traditional celebrities on social media.
Reese Witherspoon
Actress Reese Witherspoon, often known for her role ‘Elle’ in the Legally Blonde films and now, her “work of art” social media (Grazia Magazine, Undated). With her 24.9 million Instagram followers, Witherspoon is the epitome of a traditional celebrity making it work on social media.
Witherspoon is seen regularly expressing herself digitally through posting family-oriented and honest content that everybody can relate to on her platforms, which makes her so much more appealing (Albidin, 2018).
Selena Gomez
However, singer, advocate and actress, Selena Gomez runs things a bit differently … With her 200 million Instagram followers, Gomez is one of the most followed people on Instagram, but you might be surprised to know she doesn’t actually manage it! Her team of social media creators are often seen posting ad related content.
Overall, the merge of both celebrities which Albidin (2018) strongly opposes, is what makes celebrity culture so significant these days. With social media being so vital in contemporary society, the traditional ideology of a celebrity has had to evolve to adapt with current cultural climates (Vanity Fair, 2016). As a result, traditional celebrities’ authentic reasoning is questioned.
References
Abidin, C. (2018). ‘Internet Celebrity: Understanding Fame Online’. Bingly: Emerald Publishing
Grazia. (Undated). ‘Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram is A Work of Art’. Retrieved from https://graziamagazine.com/articles/reese-witherspoon-instagram/ [Date accessed -31 December 2020]
Kowalczyk, C. M., & Pounders, K. R. (2016). Transforming celebrities through social media: The role of authenticity and emotional attachment. Journal of Product & Brand Management.
Vanity Fair. (2016). ‘Who’s Really Pulling the Strings (and Pressing “Send”) on the Social-Media Accounts of the Famous.. Retrieved from https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/celebrity-social-media-accounts [Date accessed -31 December 2020]
