The Influencer Influence

32 IMPACT Melina explores how the opinions of celebrities shape our identity and influence our ideals. THE INFLUENCER INFLUENCE

Celebrity culture surrounds us: details of the most insignificant aspects of their lives aredocumented online and the public offer an accompanying commentary, often

sharing their opinions on individuals whom they do not know. The reality is that we watch these people through a photoshopped lens, and then broadcast that image all over the internet, subsequently imposing that unrealistic

presentation of humans on the consumer. Such focus on the lives of celebrities creates a culture determined by conformity, in which we move away from the celebration of diversity and individuality,and instead focus on a mostly unattainable goal.

The popularity of interviewing as a means of understanding celebrities means that we are now able to witness intense probing into their personal and emotional lives. Manyindividuals use this for good, for example when Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone used their status to draw attention to the Worldwide Orphans organisation (http://wwo.org/) after being photographed at lunch in New York. Celebrities were also seen using their influence for good at the 2020 BAFTAs. Kate Middleton wore an old Alexander

McQueen gown, and all were encouraged to re-wear outfits to make the event more sustainable.The academy aims for the EE British Academy Film Awards to be carbon neutral, and have even said that the red carpet itself is 100% recyclable, demonstrating the ability of these events to influence our environmental ideals. However, despite this encouraging movement, celebrities like Shailene Woodley have been known to share less progressive opinions, stating that she is not a feminist because she does not hate men. This received a lot of attention, yet all it showed was a dismissal of feminism as a man-hating movement. As a prominent figure in young adult movies, her misinformation could be extremely damaging.

Celebrities can also use their platforms to endorse brands. For instance, Kim Kardashian endorsed ‘flat-tummy tea’, an

unhealthy way to lose weight as it essentially works as a laxative. Much of her audience consists of young girls, and it is disappointing that she promotes a product of such nature rather than the truth: exercise and eating well. While there are many instances like this, presenting an unattainable image and negatively affecting those on the receiving end, other celebrities are in fact known for sharing their own body-image issues, showing people that they are not perfect and that no one should feel bad about themselves based on an unrealistic portrayal. Lady Gaga defended her ‘belly fat’, and Demi Lovato called out a journalist for insinuating that her weight was the most interesting thing about her. So, whilst social media, celebrity events and interviews have the ability to affect us

negatively and move us away from embracing our

identities, there are individuals in the spotlight who do not buy into that, and who share their realities,

which often mirror ours. The key is to not get too caught up in the photoshopped versions of people online, and instead learn to appreciate that no one is perfect.

Melina Williams Graphic by Chiara Crompton Page Design by Natasha Phang-Lee “The key is to not get too caught up in the photoshopped versions of people online, and instead learn to appreciate that no one is perfect”