tech
Lena Dunham is right that fame is toxic. Unfortunately, we’re all famous now
Our lives are mediated through social media, which gives us twitchy main-character energy. No wonder we’re not enjoying it
TL;DR
- Fame in the internet age is described as particularly toxic, impacting relationships, self-image, and mental health.
- Lena Dunham's memoir highlights the distorting effects of global celebrity and online hate.
- Modern fame is compared to an 'abusive ex-husband' due to its constant demands and toll on celebrities.
- The article posits that everyone with a smartphone is now in the public eye, experiencing 'famesickness'.
- Social media mediation leads to 'twitchy main-character energy' and a sense of being uneasily watched.
- The pervasive nature of online performance causes anxiety and destabilizes one's sense of self.
- Individuals are experiencing negative aspects of fame without the perks like freebies or recognition.
- There's a growing trend of people going offline or taking social media breaks due to the performance aspect of life.
- Future possibilities include fragmented attention economies or a collective break from social media.