It has been noted that the essence of fame has changed dramatically, with some celebrities being well-known for their wealth, glamour, and appearance rather than their talents and accomplishments. This is believed to serve as a negative example for youth, which I completely agree with.
There is no denying that material possessions and physical features can play an important role in achieving fame these days. Some celebrities are more popular for their personal lives, luxury lifestyles, and constant rumors surrounding their careers. Since these types of affairs tend to intrigue the public, some public figures, including models, musicians, and actors and actresses, leverage their fame for glamour. Take Kardashians, for instance. The family primarily remains in the spotlight thanks to their TV reality shows and extravagant lifestyles, not because of their meaningful contributions or artistic skills.
Equally concerning is the surge in ‘overnight’ stars. With the increasing prevalence of social media platforms, gaining stardom has become relatively easy. Some influencers and bloggers on these apps usually hog the spotlight by engaging in controversial activities or through hate speeches that can attract significant attention from viewers. In Uzbekistan, for example, some young adults are gaining popularity by posting viral videos, which mostly help them command massive followings and earn more through social media platforms.
As a result, this disruptive content and fame tied to external possessions usually set a poor example for young individuals. Regular exposure to such misleading behavior on applications may distort the views of adolescents, who are usually impressionable and tend to imitate the behavior they see to attain fame. Instead of making genuine efforts to achieve more sustained success, these young viewers may follow in the footsteps of celebrities mentioned earlier, potentially engaging in controversies and foolish actions.
To conclude, I firmly believe that fame is no longer attached to achievements and skills of people; rather, social media trends and wealth are shaping it. Such tendencies, however, can adversely affect young individuals’ perceptions and might perpetuate the cycle of undesirable behavior among celebrities.