This document discusses the rise of online celebrities and how social media has changed celebrity culture. It notes that many celebrities are now finding fame through social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter, citing examples like Chris Crocker and Justin Bieber. Celebrities increasingly use social media to directly connect with fans and shape their public image. While social media allows more interaction, it also subjects celebrities to more scrutiny, as even minor controversies can now spread widely online. The document concludes that social media serves as a powerful communication tool for celebrities to connect with audiences.

1. Social Media ‘Celebrities’ Hannah Douglas Faculty Mentor, Professor Don Krause

2. How to Spot a Celebrity “The celebrity is a person who is known for his well-knownness.” –Daniel Boorstin, The Image Neal Gabler calls celebrity the new art form of the 21st century.

3. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media Why do we follow celebrities? Celebrity narratives “medium of life” The celebrity narrative has not changed, but many are now finding fame through social media. Chris Crocker- YouTube videos

4. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media ctd. Justin Bieber More “klout” than President Obama?

5. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media ctd. Justin Halpern

6. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media ctd. Mark Zuckerberg

7. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media ctd. Antoine Dodson

8. Seeing ‘Stars’ in Social Media ctd. Online Celebrity Meter Test your own online Fame!

9. Celebrities at their Computer “One will never know how much of Michael Jackson’s eccentricity was a way to keep his narrative (and his celebrity) going …We don’t know how much of Lindsay Lohan’s behavior is way to keep herself in the public eye when she has no movies to do so.” (Gabler) A changing communication environment that’s becoming more interactive

10. Celebrities at their Computer ctd. Charlie Sheen “winning” on Twitter

11. Celebrities at their Computer ctd. Ashton Kutcher on Twitter

12. Reasons for the ‘Follow’ “The people who post tweets that are completely different from what they are like in front of the camera.” - Quame Hamlin, Editor at Norfolk State Echo

13. Reasons for the “Follow” ctd. Main reasons for following: 1. Word of mouth celebrity recommendation 2. Intriguing content- whether for entertainment or educational purposes 3. Connection with the celebrity- whether for networking or due to a shared set of ideals

14. Celebrities at their Computer ctd. The “Wins and Fails” of celebrities’ involvement in social media Death hoax- Jaden Smith, Owen Wilson, Adam Sandler spread online through social media Director Kevin Smith tweets complaint about Southwest Airlines

15. Conclusion Social Media as a communication tool Celebrity - a connecting element “That is how celebrity works- as a kind of endless daisy chain that amuses us, unifies us, and even occasionally educates us.” (Gabler)