In the modern era of social media and celebrity worship, parasocial relationships with stars are stronger than ever. With a quick tap on Instagram, you can check out what exactly your fave is doing at that very moment. Similarly, they can check in on you too. Like your TikTok, go live, and even comment on your page. And commenting on a post makes you BFFs, right? Sarcasm aside, the allure of these iconic figures seeps into our everyday lives, slowly chipping away at our bank accounts.
Example 1: Kylie Jenner
A great first example is Kylie Jenner. Despite having a brand that’s sole purpose is to sell you products, she has developed a very loyal fanbase. With several fan pages on Instagram some of which Jenner follows herself. These pages tend to speak about Kylie as if they really know her, and she cares about them deeply, not just as consumers of her product. However, even if you aren’t a superfan, the magnetic pull of Kylie Jenner’s cosmetic empire at times proves irresistible. Her perfectly plump lips and flawless complexion are an embodiment of beauty, money, and success. She purposefully flaunts her flashy lifestyle and carefully implies that with her products you can live that life too. Although, the irony is that the comparatively poor consumers who are buying her products allow her to live that lifestyle. With each new product release, fans eagerly reach for their wallets, convinced that owning a piece of her empire will bring them closer to the glamorous world they envision.
Example 2: Taylor Swift
Similarly, Taylor Swift is one person who has a fanbase with some of the strongest parasocial relations to the singer. Her lyrical storytelling and intimate confessions create an emotional bond with her audience. It appears Swift knows this and plays into it quite often. From telling fans that they are her buddies, checking in on them on social media, and even inviting them to her house for ‘Secret Sessions’ where Swift plays her unreleased albums for a group of fans before it comes out. Although to some it may seem over the top, it pays off when she asks her fans do things for her. For example, in a statement posted to Tumblr, pleading for her fans to speak out against Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun after losing out on a sale of her masters, Swift goes, “Please let Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun know how you feel about this.” And like clockwork, her fans did exactly that. For finacial gain, she is known to do things like sell several versions of the same album, but with different covers and exclusive appeal. This allows her to make more money and break more records, while her fans stare at four different covers of the same album. Although there is nothing wrong with seeking solace and connection through her music or even buying tons of unecissary merchandise if that’s what makes you happy. I’ve been guilty of buying into a few cash grabs myself. However, It is important that we challange our relationships with our wealthy celebrity counterparts and asses whether our fixation on them is helping or hurting us financially. Becuase while you take out a loan for concert tickets, they continue to line their pockets and use your money to support their lavish lifestyles.
As these parasocial relationships deepen, individuals find themselves ensnared in a cycle of consumerism, seduced by the mirage of intimacy with their favorite celebrities. It’s only when the bills accumulate and debts mount that one may begin to question the true worth of these connections. The time has come for us to reevaluate our priorities, and seek fulfillment in genuine relationships and personal growth, rather than emptying our wallets in pursuit of a vicarious existence in the world of fame.
About The Author
