Philip Jong

Modern celebrity culture first took shape in the 19th century in the US when societal elites sought to gain social prominence and publicity among the general populace. Over time, it expanded to include individuals who aspired for influence in the public eye by overtly allowing their own personal lives to be exposed for mass consumption. The rise of mass media during the past decades has propelled celebrity culture into the public consciousness by constantly bombarding us with the latest celebrity gossip in the endless news cycle. Despite its popularity, critics have long contended that it is a toxic culture perpetually fueled by the maladaptive behaviors of celebrities and their followers. For celebrities, influence is not attained by being a positive role model whose moral virtues inspire their followers to be better. Rather, these celebrities often confuse greatness with notoriety and seek only to achieve the latter through manufactured drama and spectacle ("famous for being famous"). For their followers, celebrities are seen as legitimate targets of public scrutiny and criticism merely because of their fame. Worst yet, these followers are quick to invoke cancel culture to take down celebrities so to shame them into disrepute. Social media has further diminished the boundaries separating these groups, providing a direct avenue through which the toxic elements of the culture are amplified. Until our obsession with celebrity culture can be curtailed, it will forever threaten to erode our common decency and mutual respect toward each other.