Stardom Hysteria And Echo Chambers: Why Is Everyone Crazy Over Alia-Ranbir’s Daughter?
In a world inundated with diverse perspectives and evolving norms, people are smitten over somebody else’s kid. History has proven it that social media platforms are always trafficking about Bollywood celebrities’ weddings, pregnancies, and lately babies too. But my concern is not regarding social media handlers or influencers or rigorously followed accounts but with the audience. Why is our crowd too obsessed with celebrities and their lifestyles?
People sitting back in their homes haven’t found “raha” (Hindi term) in their life but are utterly fixated on Raha Kapoor. These people have already planned that how many movies she is going to sign in future because of her “beautiful-blue eyes.”
There are many unexamined matters but brown people want to watch celebrities going to gym together, couples roaming in some exotic streets, their alcoholic parties and where they are planning to celebrate their new year. Recurrently paparazzi has been called obnoxious and pushy. They have been called intruders who plan to snatch privacy from Bollywood stars but who forced paparazzi to record such moments?
Who is granting them lakhs and millions of likes and comments on social media? It’s us, the general masses. The common folk who is struggling in local buses, earning money by breaking Rocky Mountains to make a national highway for AC cars, that part of the populace who is standing in a queue of a hospital during emergency, those people who have farmers in their families dying of suicide.
One major concern of this crazy stargazing is the impact on self-esteem and body image. The curated nature of social media allows celebrities to present an idealized version of their lives, often featuring glamorous events, flawless appearances, and luxurious lifestyles. Followers, especially impressionable individuals, may develop unrealistic standards for beauty, success, and happiness, leading to feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-worth.
For instance, pictures of celebrities’ babies’ skyrockets and capture much attention as if it is something so imperative for India’s economy. These high-profile individuals have become so vital for the working of few social media platforms and it’s all because of public demand.
My article is not from anti-celebrity standpoint or an anti-Bollywood conviction. I did value how Amir Khan had been associated with various social causes, including his work with UNICEF to promote child nutrition. I cherish how actress Priyanka Chopra, for example, has been an advocate for gender equality and has supported initiatives promoting education for girls. Additionally, Dia Mirza has been known for her efforts to promote sustainability and conservation, advocating for issues such as wildlife protection and plastic waste reduction.
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood gained immense praise for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping migrant workers reach their homes and aiding those in need. Musician A.R. Rahman, for instance, has not only achieved global recognition for his music but has also been an ambassador for Indian classical music and culture. I cherish, glorify, idolize and revere all of it and feel proud of our country’s stars who really prove being a STAR.
What I don’t support is the blind chase, an unfocussed pursuit of stardom, celebrities, their children, their favourite bar, their children’s school and what not. I am totally against this cult of celebrity worship. The media plays a crucial role in fueling the phenomenon, with relentless coverage of celebrities' personal lives, scandals, and controversies.
This constant scrutiny often blurs the line between public and private, subjecting celebrities to invasive attention. In turn, fans may find themselves running behind the sensational aspects of a celebrity's life rather than appreciating their talents or contributions.
The thing is that we don’t have any problem with cuteness of Raha/ Vamika/Aradhaya/Taimur but that should not become a matter of discussion and must not become crucial. There are millions of children who are cute in this world but that doesn’t hold any societal value. We need social media to serve as dynamic storehouses of opinions, knowledge, and progress, playing a pivotal role in shaping contemporary discourse.
But who makes social media? It’s us, the very same general masses. Audiences consume a wide range of content, including text, images, videos, and more. Their preferences influence the type of content that gains popularity and visibility.
Audiences actively engage with content through likes, comments, and shares. This engagement not only provides feedback to content creators but also determines the visibility of content on platforms' algorithms. It is integral to be mindful of hurdles such as misinformation, echo chambers, and the potential for polarization. Responsible and critical engagement is crucial to harness the positive aspects of these platforms for the greater good.
“The image is one thing and the human being is another. It's very hard to live up to an image, put it that way.”
― Elvis Presley