Celebrity culture is ubiquitous in America. It is a driving force in everyday life, and leads many to know popular figures far more intimately than they would any other stranger.
For some, it extends beyond mere fascination, bordering on obsession and the utmost reverence for these celebrities, regardless of whether they have a terrifying carbon footprint or a fanbase that doxxes whoever speaks out against their “mother.” Some fans have fallen into the trap of putting these celebrities on a pedestal, defending the honor of this god-like figure in their consciousness and generating a cult-like approach within certain fandoms.
This is a parasocial relationship — a one-sided connection between two people. Many times the recipient is a public figure, with fans fostering an extremely loyal and unhealthy emotional attachment to them.
Although parasocial relationships are not a new concept, more of our generation is becoming susceptible to being in them.
A Meta-Gallup survey has revealed almost a quarter of adults feel fairly or very lonely, with loneliness rates tending to be higher among the younger adult population. This may be attributed to a diminishing sense of connection and community and feelings of isolation, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many have utilized social media to make and continue their connections to alleviate this. Many discover that sense of community from engaging with content shared by their beloved celebrity. Participating in such communities can be positive, bringing people with aligning interests closer together.
Social media has drastically changed our access to these public figures, providing more insight into what they do on a day-to-day basis. With a quick search or scroll, a vast wealth of information about these figures is at our disposal.
However, in extreme cases, the constant upkeep and undying devotion to an individual with whom they do not have personal relations becomes unhealthy. Actively participating in fan narrative, enforcing the belief that your celebrity can do no wrong, absolves them of their humanity.
Treating celebrities like pillars of ideal living is a dangerous mindset. Take the leaking of the location of rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s mother’s gravesite, assumed to have been done by Nicki Minaj’s fanbase, also known as “Barbz.”