Social media has become a part of our lives and checking new Instagram posts part of our daily routine. Online fandom has become nowadays something mainstream and almost every Instagram user has his favorite influencer, who he observes on daily basis, admires and secretly wishes for his live to be like his. This paper focuses on establishing why those Influencers have become the new idols of our society. On the example of two young women, who have more than a million followers on their accounts, I will try to explain their phenomenon and the reason for their success. As their almost celebrity status is established mostly thanks for their fans. Moreover, the mechanism of online fandom and instagram will be explained.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. The phenomenon of Instagram
4. Online Fandom
5. Instagram followers
5. Influencers as the new idols
7. The new idols of Instagram
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the rise of Instagram influencers as contemporary idols, analyzing the mechanisms of online fandom and the strategies influencers employ to cultivate massive followings. The research questions focus on why these individuals achieve celebrity status and why followers develop parasocial relationships with them, particularly in the context of the idealization of "perfect" digital lives.
- The evolution of social media as a platform for digital interaction and marketing
- The psychological and sociological dynamics of online fandom
- The transition from traditional celebrity to digital "everyday" idols
- Case studies on the success strategies of Stefanie Giesinger and Tammy Hembrow
Excerpt from the Book
3. The phenomenon of Instagram
The digital culture takes nowadays place mainly on the social media platforms, which are a venue “for socialization, public debate, and information exchange” (Quan Haase and Sloan 2017:2). Most of them like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram enable anyone to create a profile and engage and exchange with other users. Instagram has however, outgrown the other platforms, as it has more than 15 million users in Germany and 800 million globally. These numbers keeps raising monthly.
Instagram is a podium that enables us to create some sort of virtual reality, present ourselves and our lives in the best light possible without anyone influencing it. The users are the creators of the images, videos and content presented on their profiles and decide to what extent they will give an insight into their lives.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstract: Provides a brief overview of the research topic, focusing on why Instagram users idolize specific content creators and how online fandom functions.
2. Introduction: Discusses the shift of social media from a communication tool to a marketing and life-presentation platform, introducing the concept of the 'influencer'.
3. The phenomenon of Instagram: Explores the platform's role as a space for virtual reality and self-presentation, highlighting its massive global user base.
4. Online Fandom: Defines the characteristics of modern digital fandom and explains how users transition from passive viewers to active participants in an influencer's community.
5. Instagram followers: Analyzes the individual motivation behind following influencers and the dynamics of user involvement and interaction in a computer-mediated society.
5. Influencers as the new idols: Investigates the definition of an influencer and addresses the question of why "regular" individuals become the object of mass admiration.
7. The new idols of Instagram: Offers practical case studies of Tammy Hembrow and Stefanie Giesinger to illustrate how professional branding and personal content create an illusion of reachable perfection.
Keywords
Instagram, Influencers, Online Fandom, Social Media, Digital Culture, Parasocial Interaction, Self-presentation, Celebrity Status, Digital Idols, Marketing, User Participation, Socialization, Virtual Reality, Personal Branding, Followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the growing influence of Instagram personalities and the phenomenon of how these individuals become societal idols through their social media presence.
What are the central thematic areas?
The work explores digital culture, the evolution of social media platforms, online fandom, the psychology of follower engagement, and the commercial strategies utilized by influencers.
What is the primary research question?
The paper seeks to explain why specific individuals gain massive follower bases and why Instagram users develop deep admiration and identification with them, ultimately reaching "idol" status.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The paper uses a qualitative analytical approach, examining existing media theories on participatory culture and applying them to the specific context of Instagram profiles and interactions.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main sections cover the technological and social infrastructure of Instagram, definitions of online fandom, the role of the individual follower, and an analysis of influencer success strategies.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Instagram, Influencers, Online Fandom, Parasocial Interaction, Digital Idols, and Social Media Marketing.
How does the anonymity of the internet affect the fan-influencer relationship?
The paper discusses that anonymity often allows fans to feel freer to comment and express admiration, while creating a unique, seemingly intimate, yet virtual connection with the influencer.
Why are Stefanie Giesinger and Tammy Hembrow chosen as case studies?
They are selected as prime examples of young women who have leveraged their lifestyle, beauty, and carefully curated content to build significant, globally recognized fan bases through varied marketing collaborations.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2018, Instagram influencers as the new idols of our society, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1278189
