Lecture Notes: The Fake Lives of Celebrities

Introduction

• Key Questions:
  • How fake can the lives of celebrities be?
  • How true are things shown on social media?
• Methods used:
  • Paid social media trends, posts, paparazzi, podcasts
  • Hype creation for films
  • Lies in box office collections

Paparazzi Culture

General Observations

• Celebrities always followed by paparazzi
• Photos in all situations: airports, gyms, markets, etc.
• Regular people's similar activities gain no attention
• Paparazzi seem selective; some celebs often photographed, others not

Origin of the Term 'Paparazzi'

• Derived from the 1960 Italian film La Dolce Vita
• Character 'Paparazzo' was an annoying, fearless reporter
• Director associated the name with an annoying mosquito

Evolution of Paparazzi Culture

• Initially, secret photos of celebrities sold to tabloids and magazines
• With social media rise, paid