Challenging the Cult of Celebrity and Twitter's Impact on Public Discourse

AI-Generated Celebrity Cult

The rise of social media platforms, such as Twitter, has undeniably transformed how we communicate and consume information. One of the most significant consequences of this transformation is the growing prominence of the cult of celebrity and its impact on public discourse and culture.

Celebrities enjoy unprecedented influence in today's digital landscape, with millions of followers hanging on to their every word. This cult of celebrity often prioritizes fame, wealth, and superficiality over substance, expertise, and informed opinions. At the same time, many stars, especially in the entertainment industry, directly or indirectly promote cultural degradation through hypersexuality, wanton consumption and consumerism, and the glorification of violence. This cult of celebrity ultimately has a detrimental impact on society, contributing to the erosion of shared values and fostering an unhealthy obsession with fame. Consequently, public discourse becomes skewed, with high-profile individuals' voices often overshadowing genuine experts, activists, and community leaders.

Twitter, in particular, has played a substantial role in amplifying the voices of celebrities and influencers. In turn, the preoccupation with celebrity culture has led to the normalization of harmful behaviors and values in pursuing fame or "clout," undermining the fabric of society. One alarming manifestation of this issue is the rise of dangerous social media challenges, particularly on Tik Tok that put children and teenagers at risk. Examples include the Tide Pod challenge, where young people consumed laundry detergent pods, and the Fire challenge, which involved setting oneself on fire. Other senseless public pranks, such as the Knockout challenge, encouraged participants to harm innocent bystanders for online notoriety. Even more disturbing are mass shootings and acts of violence being live-streamed on social media platforms, further illustrating the dark side of the quest for attention, fame, and "clout," all feeding the cult of celebrity.

The platform's verification system, symbolized by the coveted blue checkmark, inadvertently created a class system of status, granting specific individuals disproportionate influence over the public conversation. As a result, the discourse surrounding critical social, political, and cultural issues is dominated by these influential voices rather than by those who possess relevant expertise or firsthand experience.

The previous verification system on Twitter promoted an unhealthy dynamic, amplifying certain voices and silencing real change-makers, particularly from marginalized communities. This significantly impacted democracy and communities of color, skewing public discourse in favor of a select few. If Twitter published race data on Twitter blue verifications, in the black community, I believe over 80% would be from Black celebrities. Celebrity does not equate to thought, so amplifying certain voices can only help perpetuate inequality. The new verification system will help dismantle the undue influence of celebs in communities of color in political discourse, who have held significant sway over public opinion without the necessary expertise or knowledge.

This influence has been evident in various political contexts, with politicians frequently doing rounds at black media and entertainment outlets to appeal to or pander to a specific demographic. One notable example is Joe Biden's appearance on The Breakfast Club in 2021, where he stated, "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for Trump or me, then you ain't black." Another instance is Cardi B's conversation with Biden. While I am a fan of Cardi B and believe she is intelligent, there are arguably more qualified individuals within the community to have these critical discussions on topics such as police brutality, free education, reparations, and Medicare. I wonder if the discourse would have been different with a community leader or expert present stressing action over ideation.

Moreover, relying on celebrities as spokespeople for entire communities can be problematic. As Malcolm X pointed out, celebrities, who are close to capital, fame, and fortune, might not align with the "masses" they claim to represent. This misalignment between the political ideas of celebrities and the aspirations of poor and working-class people can lead to numerous pitfalls in public discourse.

Certainly, celebrities should not remain silent in the face of injustice. They have consistently been vital voices within our communities, and many have faced significant consequences for their activism. However, the media's excessive focus on these voices overshadows the perspectives of ordinary individuals, whose lives differ significantly from those with wealth and prominence.

To foster a healthier and more inclusive public discourse, it is essential to acknowledge and prioritize the voices and experiences of those most impacted by the issues at hand rather than relying exclusively on the viewpoints of a select group of celebrities. Social media platforms like Twitter must be used responsibly and critically, recognizing both their potential to connect and inform and their capacity to distort and undermine public conversation.

News organizations like the LA Times have also weighed in on the controversy, with the management stating that verification "no longer establishes authority or credibility." However, such statements can be problematic, considering that many traditional media outlets have often been shepherds of disinformation and propaganda for decades. It is worth questioning the role that traditional media has played by uplifting the cult of celebrity and contributing to the cultural degradation that now seems pervasive in our society and social media echo chamber.

In light of these issues, it is essential to critically examine the role that both social media platforms and traditional media play in shaping public discourse and promoting cultural values. By acknowledging the pitfalls of the previous verification system, the dangers of the cult of celebrity, the harmful consequences of reckless social media challenges, and the alarming trend of violence being live-streamed for clout, there is an opportunity to foster a more inclusive and meaningful dialogue through the new verification system. This will help elevate the voices of marginalized communities and challenge the status quo.

Elon Musk's Twitter purchase and the ensuing Twitter Blue debate have stirred controversy and divided opinions. As the largest shareholder, Musk's influence on Twitter is undeniable. While some view his involvement as a potential catalyst for positive change, others fear it could lead to a less open and diverse social media landscape. The new blue checkmark system is now more focused on utility, allowing users to access premium features that could enhance their experience on the platform. This shift can potentially democratize the verification process, reduce the class divide, and stop amplifying celebrity voices and idolatry.

Only time will tell what impact Elon Musk's involvement will have on Twitter and its millions of users worldwide, as well as the broader implications for democracy, underrepresented communities, and the evolving nature of online verification. But I'm here for it!