In the digital age, the rise of social media platforms has revolutionised the way we connect, communicate, and consume content. Beyond their influence on everyday life, these platforms have dramatically reshaped the landscape of lifestyle.
Gone are the days when stardom was solely confined to the silver screen or the music charts.
Today, social media has opened new avenues for fame and transformed the traditional notion of celebrity. This feature article delves into the profound impact of social media on the concept of beauty, personal branding and how much truth there is behind the screen.
Let’s us tell you about all the ways social media has altered normal life in a good and bad way:
Beauty Standards:
Beauty standards are something that has been changing for as long as one could remember. From women in 80s expected to have a lean and strong body with mild makeup to pale skin and thin frame glamourised in 90s, beauty standards are ever evolving and ever changing.
In the digital world, beauty standards have been significantly influenced and shaped by social media, online platforms, and digital culture.
With the prevalence of photo-editing apps and filters, there is an emphasis on achieving a flawless and perfect appearance. Many people use filters to enhance their features, smooth their skin, and create a more aesthetically pleasing image.
The rise of platforms like Instagram has popularised certain aesthetics, such as the “Instagram face,” which often includes full lips, high cheekbones, and a contoured complexion. Youthful looks are often celebrated, leading to an increase in interest in cosmetic procedures and skincare routines.
This kind of thinking has influenced people to look certain way and have plagued their thinking about what a perfect body needs to look like.
Many celebrities such as Beyonce and Kim Kardashian have been called out for photoshopping their pictures in order to appear slim and toned.
Celebrity Culture:
Social media platforms has provided a direct and intimate connection between celebrities and their fans, allowing stars to share personal moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and opinions instantly.
However, this culture also comes with challenges, as public figures navigate the pressures of maintaining a curated online persona, dealing with online trolls and negativity, and balancing authenticity with privacy.
Talking to a prominent Pakistani actor Hassaan Khan about celebrity social media culture, he gave his personal opinion about being a public figure:
‘’It’s an amalgamation of good and bad. I’ve been trolled, I’ve been praised, and I’ve dealt with criticism as well. It’s just about how people use their platform’’, he said.
In terms of exploiting the platform, there have been several instances where celebrities were called out for misusing their fame.
Liam Payne, member of the former popular band ‘One Direction’ was targeted for pointing a middle finger to his viewers.
Megan Fox was also under fire for posting bold and semi-nude pictures on her Instagram.
Personal Branding:
Social media platforms provide a global audience and instant visibility. It allows individuals to showcase their talents, expertise, and unique attributes to a vast number of people, breaking down geographical barriers.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok allow individuals to create and curate content that reflects their personal brand and also allows them to connect with their followers.
Talking to the author of ‘Run Away Home series’ Catherine Manett, about her experience on social media, she gave a rather positive insight.
”Twitter definitely helped me reach a wider audience. It helped my book make the top 100 new releases list on Amazon for an entire month’’, she mentioned.
This has helped a lot of individuals to gather courage and make a name for themselves online.
Even people who are not comfortable revealing their identity have managed to gain fame such as ‘mukbangers’ on Youtube.
Influencer Culture:
Influencer culture on social media refers to the phenomenon where individuals, known as influencers, leverage their online presence and large followings to influence the opinions, behaviours, and purchasing decisions of their audience.
While this culture seems to deliver positive message to people who might feel insecure, one should keep in mind that not everything on social media is as true as it may appear.
People also use social media to fake personalities.
A prominent example is of the Netflix documentary ‘Tinder Swindler’ which was based upon true story of a guy who catfished women into lending him money.
Asking Rae about this, she detailed similar events.
’’I’ve met many ‘Twitter Friends’. Online they seem likeable, yet in reality some are strange”, she said.
Many celebrities have been called out for faking their ‘instagram life’ as well.
Chris Bailey had been called out for posing in a fake private jet, which he tried to pass off as his own.
Korean influencer Song Jiah was also targeted for posing with fake luxury brands online.
Inclusivity:
Social media provides a great platform for individuals and communities that have historically been underrepresented or ignored.
People from diverse backgrounds can share their experiences, perspectives, and struggles, helping to raise awareness and promote understanding.
These communities provide a sense of belonging and support for marginalized individuals, fostering a strong sense of inclusivity and solidarity.
Through social media, people including celebrities are getting more recognition.
Actor of colour Vanessa Morgan, called out her production team on social media for her character getting minimum screen time, which later caused the team to rewrite her role and make her one of the main characters.
social media connects people worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and promoting cross-cultural understanding. It encourages global conversations about inclusivity and diversity.
Invention of social media was definitely down for the greater good and has proved itself through the years.
However, as we navigate this ever-changing landscape, it is essential to recognise both the opportunities and challenges that arise from the impact of social media on our everyday lives.
