A Guide to Fame for Members of the Masses: Instagram Edition
By Morrigan Alongi
Just over a year ago I joined the social media space of Instagram, on which celebrities and 'nobodies' alike from all around the world post photographs at leisure to gain followers and likes (the currency of power). Instagram is a pretty good example of how we experience the modalities of power in our daily online lives. After actively participating in the Instagram sphere for a few weeks, I can conclude that to have any kind of power you either have to be a celebrity or otherwise know a lot of people, or be Instagram savvy (more info here).
Dye (2005) as cited by Kuttainen in the week two lecture on power hit the nail on the head by saying "the elite are the few that have power; the masses are the many that do not. The elite are the few who control what is valued in society and use that control to shape the lives of others." Celebrities are the mean elite power machines who ooze charisma, seduction and of course authority as spoken about by Allen (2003), because let's face it; what part of western culture has not been reached by the Kardashians within the last year? Charisma is the innate ability to win the hearts of millions with beauty, personality, and everything in between (I highly recommend consulting your local plastic surgeon if you are having issues with this). On Instagram it is crucial to post photos which are aesthetically pleasing and arouse certain interests (such as fashion or cats) and this is where seduction comes in; if your posts are not nicely composed and just willy-nilly, you won't gain many followers or likes. The authority I mention comes from just being known; Instagram is in fact one big network, and the more people that follow you, the more people who will see you.
References:
Kuttainen, V. (2015). Power: The Panopticon [Lecture Slides]. James Cook University; Townsville
Allen, J. (2003). Introduction: Lost Geographies. In Lost Geographies of Power (pp. 1-12). Blackwell Publishing: UK
Knibbs, K. (2013). Ready For Your Close Up? Here's How to Become Instagram Famous. Retrieved from http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/how-to-become-instagram-famous/
Image:
Barrett, C. (2012). Exploring the Visual Power of Instagram. Retrieved from http://www.internetmarketinginc.com/blog/exploring-the-visual-power-of-instagram/
It's interesting how compelled people are to being noticed as a part of the charismatic elite, why do you think it such a need? Your post got me thinking about it and the only answer I can come to so far is that the masses are uncomfortable with who they are in the first place, or rather, where they are. It is almost like they are creating a charismatic identity they are proud of, like their favourite celebrities.
ReplyDeleteThe Kardashian's for example, it is awesome to think that someone can sell a book of selfies just by their own charisma, Kim is a brilliant salesperson as described in the book summary, a modern Marilyn (Amazon, 2015).
Using her assets to their top potential is an exceptional skill, on that note though I would like to mention the top reviews are just as impressive. The negative 'nobodies' trolling away seem to find ironic humour quite amusingly.
On a serious note though, what do her followers get from it all though? Her main fan base could be described as being similar to Justin Bieber and yet the only thing she has managed to impression upon her fans is how to take photos and make videos.
The digital world is idealistic capitalism, it is very assertive and full of charisma as you mentioned, but whole idea is not about giving is it.
It's about taking selfies ;)
Reference
Amazon. (2015). Kim Kardashian Selfish. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Kardashian-Selfish-West/dp/0789329204