The web enables us to be those who we cannot be in real life. It contributes to the creation of multiple identities. My Second Life profile is far from representing me as a real person. In SL, I own a yacht (it wasn’t easy to find a spot for it in a marina), a porsche and a condo in a fancy district. I have lots of friends who are equally unreal as I am. Yet, there is one feature which unites us. It is playing the game of pretending. I also post messages on various forums under fake names and beliefs. Just for the fun of it. Or perphaps something more?
Since the development of mass media, we have begun to have more idols. For some, it is Brad Pitt and for others the dancer from the “Evolution of Dance” video on YouTube. The World Wide Web made it possible for all of us (assuming we have access to the Internet) to become stars of pop-culture. All we need is a unique idea and a basic knowledge of the Internet. Those virtual attractions have helped a global fandom culture to emerge.
Even though we strive to be unique and different from the rest of the population, we tend to divide ourselves into groups where the only criteria of belonging is personal taste. Perez Hilton is an example of a celebrity created by people. His blog is shocking and bizarre, yet he managed to gain sympathy of millions. By posting news from the celebrities’ personal lives, he gained an international recognition. He became a star, having very diverse fans and groupies.
Is cherishing a man who reports on celebrities right? When did he become a celebrity? The concept of a celebrity is losing its former boundaries. Nonetheless, it is essential to point out that those boundaries have been continually since the development of the Internet. The possibility of becoming a superstar is closer than ever. Just as The Beatles used to sing, “All you need is love”. Except now, all you need is an idea. And love will come by itself.
