Social Media, Self Made Celebrity and the Loss of Heroes

            There is no mistaking that social media has changed lives. The lives of the ordinary, the lives of celebrities and the lives of entrepreneurs have all been changed by social media in our society. Social media has brought together people that may never have met or engaged together without the aid of social networking and the internet itself. Social media has also created an arena for individuals to attempt to become famous. Instead of waiting to be discovered, individuals can now post videos to YouTube, or Facebook or create their own blog. Information is so easily transferred throughout the internet that a video can become hugely popular in a matter of hours. 

            Being famous or being a celebrity is what inspires many people. Before the age of social media, should one want to be famous they may have had to hound record executives or send in thousands of demos. Celebrity status can be as simple as posting your own videos on the web. A perfect example of the cult of celebrity is Justin Bieber. His name is featured several times on my blog, but his story is what it is because of social media. Justin Bieber began posting videos of his performances, and singing at home on YouTube. He posted videos to share with his family. These videos became hugely popular. Justin Bieber was discovered by a recording company because of his videos and because of how many followers he had. He signed a record deal and the rest is history (biography, 2012). Justin Bieber has a cult of followers and has made millions of dollars, all of which started by posting his own videos. 

            Another example is Rebecca Black. I do not know that everyone has heard of Rebecca Black. The lyrics “It’s Friday, Friday gotta get down on Friday” may jog some memories of this young woman, at least 16 million memories or so. This was the amount of views that she had in 2011, I am sure the number has grown (NPR, 2011). Though the song is terrible, and not written by the singer it took off after being posted on YouTube. The song is terrible, the video is terrible and it really would never have made it to the radio on its own, but it is catchy. Just like that, Rebecca Black became famous, not Justin Bieber status, but famous. Social media has allowed an individual to take control of their own destiny in a way that was never before available to them. I personally find the old fashioned hard work and persistent dedication to be more appealing; however, you cannot blame anyone for trying. The click of a mouse is much quicker than flights and footsteps. 

            Individuals are so interested in becoming famous that a website in Scandinavia has created a place that is said to create local celebrities. This social networking site, DKBN, short for Denmark By Night, was created for teenagers to post photos of them and then rate others. The ratings are done by members of the opposite sex. You are rated and the ratings allow you to see who is the “hottest” in your town. It also compares those “hot” individuals amongst “hot” individuals from other towns. DKBN was created specifically because they feel all individuals desire to be a cult celebrity. This social media site allows individuals to make a name for themselves (red associates, 2012). 

            It seems that celebrities outweigh heroes. People have heroes that are celebrities. Individuals that were able to achieve what we have not been able to achieve is heroic to some. It seems that real heroes and unsung heroes receive less attention. Though the internet and social networking sites host millions of people, our society has become so narcissistic that there is little attention paid to those individuals that are actually doing something. Our society seems to place more value on celebrities and what our neighbor purchased at the grocery store, than people who have truly lived a heroic life. If a movie was made about your story, then people will know you, otherwise it seems our generation has lost what a real hero is. 

Biography. (2012). Justin Bieber. Biography. Retrieved on April 21, 2012 from:

            http://www.biography.com/people/justin-bieber-522504

NPR. (2011). Ridiculed YouTube Singer Rebecca Black Grabs A Mountain of Bull By The

Horns.  Retrieved on April 21, 2012 from: http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/03/18/134652534/ridiculed-youtube-singer-rebecca-black-grabs-a-mountain-of-bull-by-the-horns

Red Associates. (2012). Popularity-seeking Teens Pursue the Cult of Celebrity on DKBN.

Retrieved on April 21, 2012 from: http://www.redassociates.com/conversations/whats_wrong_with_media/dkbn/

Social Media: Rituals and Stereotypes

Social Media has become a large part of nearly everyone’s lives. Consider my Grandfather, in his seventies and blind, my Grandfather was one of the first people I knew to have both a MySpace and Facebook account. Working in the sales industry he recognized what both of these outlets could mean for society. What is interesting about social media is how it has changed our lives, and what it does mean to society.

            When I wake up in the morning I do three things; I check my work email, I check my Facebook account and I get up and get ready for work, in this order. As a manager, I initially was checking Facebook to see what my staff was up to. If someone was going to call off, I wanted to make sure that they weren’t spending the day gallivanting instead of being sick at home. This has turned into an obsession. I now feel the need to know what everyone is up to. Why should this start my day? I have more pressing matters. Technology and smart phones have made these forms of communication as simple as opening your phone in the morning.  Consider also my teenage sister, I do not know that any of our family has been able to look into her eyes since she has received her phone, she is constantly on Facebook.  

            There are other forms of social media as well. On the Microsoft Office Blogs site, a member of the office team provided what rituals we should be taking with our social media and networking. The author provides this list; check your Facebook, Twitter and social media sites regularly throughout the day, write and maintain a weekly blog, and thank those individuals that choose to add or follow you. The author also suggests being regularly involved in social media communities such as groups that support a similar agenda or interest; we should also be checking blogs that we follow regularly and responding to comments made on our personal blogs, or responses to our comments on other blogs. The last ritual is what they call a #followfriday ritual. This ritual involves focusing on others instead of ourselves. On these Fridays, (that’s right, just one day a week,) we should focus on following others (Microsoft, 2006).

            Though there seem to be several stereotypes related to social media, the largest would be the amount of narcissism that has taken over our lives. A perfect example of this would be #followfriday. I am not inclined to believe that this stereotype applies to all social media participants; of course a large majority may fall into this. In previous blogs I have described the belief that social media encourages infidelity and unhappiness in one’s own life. I believe there are many that are responsible with their interactions; however there are many that have brought this issue to light by being irresponsible. In the opinion pages of the New York Times, Ross Douthat explains how social media has led to moral decline. The belief that social media has become so huge in our lives, has led him to believe that social media affects character. I agree.  A simple statement made me pause; Ross Douthat states “self involvement is reaching an all time high.” We are so interested in what we are saying, that we share this with everyone. We share our personal lives and the details that at one time we may have only told our best friend. We want others to sympathize with our problems or at the very minimum be thinking about us, or probably more appropriate; me, me, me (The New York Times, 2011).

            Following this analysis I was having a moment of internal analysis, I am disappointed in whom I have become! I fall into both patterns of both ritualistic behavior, and shamefully, narcissism. I do admit that I only have a Facebook page, and I am very careful about what is posted, however I am always looking for who is adding me and who has stated they were with me. Is it possible that social media is making us our own worst enemies? I can certainly see that some of these behaviors I am not happy about and I may need to take a Facebook break, I worry it may be as challenging as quitting smoking, or quitting biting your nails. They say it takes time to break a habit, I hope I can survive!

 References

Microsoft Office. (2006). What are the new social media rituals? Retrieved on April 12, 2012

from: http://blogs.office.com/b/office_blog/archive/2009/10/06/what-are-the-new-social-media-rituals.aspx

The New York Times. (2011). The Online Looking Glass. Retrieved April 12, 2012 from:

            http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/13/opinion/13douthat.html?_r=2&hp

Social Media

          When I think of social media, I can think of several things immediately, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr. These social networks are now the center of many people’s lives. Social media has taken the world in a direction previously not thought of. Though the social networks have provided society with a place to communicate, find lost loved ones, share photos, gather ideas and meet new people, there are also some negative connotations associated with them.

            Social Media is iconic. Looking back onto this time in countries all over the world, it would be impossible not to recognize the importance and the role that social media has been in all of our lives. Facebook is the most iconic of all of the forms of social media. Its creator is an icon as well; he is one of the youngest richest men in the world, and he also changed the shape of our lives. Social media has played such an important role in our lives, that a top selling movie was based on the creation of Facebook. Social media is a global phenomenon.

            Social media is said to have a negative impact on our society, in some opinions. There have been several articles and reports of the negative effects of these websites. Marriages are being broken apart, affairs encouraged by the easy accessibility of those we once loved, and those that are seeking love. Depression looms amongst those that see the lives of others everyday in these social media arenas. They see the lives they wish they had, or may have missed out on. Social media encourages bullying. It is much easier to share someone’s private information when it can easily be broadcast to hundreds. People are brazen and have a false sense of security; words are easily said without having to face those that you are speaking about. With social media we have found an entire new way to alter our lives as well as the lives of those around us. Are these things myth? They certainly can be real for many, though many may not fall prey and may not recognize these things. Does this make it a myth to those individuals?

            Social media is so important to our world now that many feel that they could never live without it. Social media and its creators have certainly created a personal outlet for many that will become legendary in coming years. As technology continues to advance I am sure these social media outlets will be outdone and enhanced time and time again. What are important are the creation and the social media movement in our lives, but also to be aware of what these things can bring to our lives. There is happiness derived from re-connections and new connections; but if the information regarding relativity to divorce and depression are true we should all be wary of how we are interacting in these electronic social venues.

Icons of Today

            It seems that there are many icons of every generation. There are fads and objects of desire. People scrambling to own whatever is the next big thing. There are young girls crying and buying every album by the newest and cutest young male singer. There are objects and items that become a part of every generation, every year. Often, we move so quickly through our days that we forget about some of these items. These items are those that stand the test of time, those that cannot be forgotten when discussing what was popular before, now and what will always stand the test of time.

            When I think of contemporary icons I choose the three things that came first to my mind. I figured, if choosing icons, what better than those that pop out at you first. I chose an object, an MP3 player, specifically the IPod. I chose a thing, Facebook, because let’s face it, who can survive without it, and a celebrity, the one and only Justin Bieber. Though these are not all important to me, who will be able to say 15 years from now, that these three things were not all consuming to many during this time.

            I remember when IPod’s first came out. They were coveted and desired by many. Though they first came out in the larger version, they changed, shape, color and size a handful of times. Now, our cell phones have the ability to carry MP3’s. Music and the Ipod were so important that cell phone carriers and creators had to find a way to be a part of this phenomenon. Music was so important that it needed to be portable, and Apple found a way to do that, and a way to make it desirable for everyone. I personally chose this object, because sitting next to me, whether I am working, doing school work or cleaning the house, is my Ipod. I can only imagine how obnoxious it would be to carry my hundreds of CD’s all over the house and into work.

            Facebook. It’s as simple as saying Facebook. I feel the need to say little else. Facebook is so ingrained in our daily lives now, it is being listed as the reason for divorce, it is on our cell phones, it is used to market, and there is even a movie about Facebook. Though the movie was brilliant, and the book, I am assuming a majority that first saw this movie, may not have even been interested in the background story. Facebook is so much a part of who we are that not seeing the movie might have meant that you weren’t a part of something bigger than us all. My freshman year of college was the first for Facebook, our school was so excited when we were chosen to be added. This was back before everyone had access. Looking back at my pictures, I am reminded that I was a) skinny and b) thrilled. Facebook has allowed our society to interact with those people from our past that we may have never seen again, it allows us to meet new people and network. As I am writing I received a Facebook notification, on my cell phone, because let’s face it, who could wait to know who was thinking about them?

            My final selection is a celebrity of gigantic proportions. If I were a teenager, I am sure I would be crying with the simple thought of him. Justin Bieber. I may not be a teenager, but I am more than aware of how popular this young man is today. He is everywhere. He has followers on Twitter and Facebook. He has young girls, and even grown women crying at the sight of him. He has a movie made about his life, and I am not positive but I think he is not even twenty years old. For my Mother’s generation, Elvis was Justin Bieber, for my generation it was a combination of any boy from Backstreet Boys or N’Sync. These young men define the lives of so many young girls, and make millions off of the emotional connection they all believe they share with him through his music. Someday, my children will be asking me about Justin Bieber, as I asked my Mom about Elvis Presley. 

What Does Popular Culture Mean to Me?

            Popular culture is a part of every individual’s lives. We are surrounded constantly by popular culture. These forms of popular culture can present themselves as music, media, toys, art, literature and clothing, among other things. Thinking back on my childhood I can think of several things that both shaped my child hood and in some circumstances defined my generation. Thinking back I remember a closet full of tubs that were filled with Beanie Babies. I remember a mad dash to McDonalds whenever a new mini Beanie Baby was being introduced. In middle school if you were anyone important you had a tamagotchi. Popular cultures are those things, either activity, products or forms of art that are created to and driven at the tastes and desires of individuals.

            Popular culture plays a big part in my life. I love music. Music is the form of popular culture that I best relate to. Every circumstance or situation in life I can find a song the represents my feelings and that is relatable. Music is inspiring to me. Popular culture is my favorite category in trivia games. I typically know the answers, and of course these questions relate to those things that were generally important to me in some timeframe of my life. I enjoy learning about popular culture and what this involved for members of different generations. Understanding and learning about those things that influenced peoples’ lives in fascinating. In order to really know someone we may ask, what is your favorite song? What is your favorite type of food? What type of movies do you like? If you were stranded on a deserted island what is the one thing you would bring? These things and the feelings that are associated with them are what make us who we are.

            Popular culture affects many areas. As business owners, managers or employees it is important to understand popular culture. Understanding of pop culture can help us to be more relatable to individuals. It can help us to understand the best ways to market to our target audience. For instance, if you are a skateboard shop and you wanted to target individuals in your area for marketing, you may post a sign at a skateboard park, you may see individuals skating and listening to music on their headphones. You may consider that if they are listening to a Pandora, they could hear about you through ads on Pandora. Recognizing what individuals are using in pop culture can move your business forward. Being able to see and recognize the next big thing could help you to develop a business or service that compliments these things. Understanding of pop culture can make you relatable to your staff as well as your customers. Being able to be forward thinking in how we promote our employees, or reward them can make your business and staff successful. It could all be as easy as an I-tunes gift card.

             There are many things that represent past and present popular culture. These objects or artifacts are a representation of what was popular in pop culture. Speaking of the aforementioned things we could consider a Tamagotchi, or Beanie Baby as a pop culture artifact. With the popularity of a certain series of books involving a vampire and a young damsel, Twilight books are an artifact of our popular culture. Looking back, bell bottoms could be an artifact of the culture of the 1970’s. Those things that shape our generations and what brings hope and joy, and sometimes sadness are the very things that we will remember for the duration of our lifetime, and what others will look for to explain and enlighten them of what life was like for people of a certain timeframe.