How Social Media Affects Celebrities In The Public Eye

How+Social+Media+Affects+Celebrities+In+The+Public+Eye

Sara Morello, Staff Writer

 As we continue through the years, social media continues to grow at an exponential rate. We as a society use it for everything like, work, school, and obviously, for our own entertainment. You can probably make the argument that every single person you know has at least one social media app on their phone that they like to use. Social media is also an easy way to keep up with daily news, friends and family, and of course your favorite celebrities. We like to see what they’re wearing, what they’re currently doing, and what new projects they’re working on. As you’re scrolling through your favorite celebrities instagram account, have you ever wondered what it’s like from their point of view?

    Many celebrities over the past couple years have opened up about their struggles with social media. From the things many have said, it sounds like it isn’t as glamorous having hundreds of millions of followers as one may think. Selena Gomez, who was at one point the most followed person on instagram with currently 236 million followers, opened up about the tolls it puts on her mental health. It’s like they want to cut your soul. Imagine all the insecurities that you already feel about yourself and having someone write a paragraph pointing out every little thing — even if it’s just physical.” https://www.ibtimes.com/why-selena-gomez-deletes-instagram-app-her-phone-once-week-2513668  Millions of people commenting on your pictures seems like a cool thing at first, but when you realize not all the comments are positive, it could feel degrading. 

    Kim Kardashian, who has a large following of 228 million, took a break from social media after she was robbed at gunpoint. “I learned from a bad experience I had when I was robbed that people really knew my every move.” She stepped back from posting because she was scared for her own safety. Not many people can say they’ve felt like they were in danger from posting an instagram photo. When millions of people know where you are from a photo or video, things could get dangerous. She still to this day says that she posts after she’s left the location she took the picture or video, which is not a thought that probably crosses most people’s minds. “But I might video something, then post it 30 minutes later when I’ve left the location, more for privacy.” https://www.businessinsider.com/kim-kardashian-instagram-social-media-paris-robbery-likes-mental-health-2019-11 

    Although social media can be a toxic environment for celebrities, it can also be very beneficial and used for good. John Legend uses his platform to promote the “Show Me Campaign.” This campaign’s goal is to make sure every child in America receives an education. He’s also involved in multiple other organizations like “Teach for America,” “Teach For All,” “New Profit” and more.  “John also keeps his 8.4 million followers up to date on current events happening in the world. Although John is a busy man, he devotes time to connect with his followers on what is important to him.

https://www.theburnetteagency.com/blog/2018/6/14/celebrities-using-social-media-in-a-positive-way  When you have a big platform and have millions of people who keep up with you, it’s important to try and use your influence for good.

      Social media has become such an important part of our everyday lives. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you are always a couple taps away from seeing what’s going on online. Having millions of followers seems like it can be overwhelming, especially knowing that whatever you post, people have something to say. Although it can be a lot for one person to handle all of it without getting consumed by everyone else’s opinions, celebrities are trying their best to try and take breaks from social media every so often for their mental health. As their followings grow, many celebrities and influencers are trying to use their social media for good and continue to share positive messages on their platforms.