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Internet celebrity

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An influencer, or internet[1] celebrity, is an individual who has acquired fame via the internet and digital platforms like Instagram[2]. The phenomenon of internet celebrities has developed since the internet became widely accessible in 1991, with sites such as SixDegrees.com promoting their rise. These influencers significantly influence consumer habits, as they hold the power to mold purchasing choices through their critiques, responses, and personal interactions. A key aspect of their approach involves digital branding, which leverages online platforms to expand their audience reach and enhance brand exposure. There are several categories of internet celebrities, including nano influencers, micro-celebrities, and celebrities, each distinguished by their number of followers. They encounter numerous challenges, including ethical issues related to the alteration of images and lifestyles, and adverse effects on young audiences. Their influence permeates various regions globally, including China, where the term “Wanghong” denotes internet fame.

Terms definitions
1. internet. The Internet, a global network of interconnected computer systems, utilizes standardized communication protocols, predominantly TCP/IP, to connect devices across the globe. The term 'Internet' has its roots in the 1849 term 'internetted' and was later adopted by the US War Department in 1945. The inception of the Internet can be traced back to the 1960s when computer scientists developed time-sharing systems, which eventually led to the creation of ARPANET in 1969. The Internet operates autonomously, without any central control, and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages its primary name spaces. It has revolutionized traditional communication methods and has seen an exponential growth, with the number of internet users growing by 20% to 50% every year. In 2019, more than half of the global population was using the Internet. The Internet protocol suite, comprising TCP/IP and four conceptual layers, directs internet packets to their intended destinations. Fundamental services such as email and Internet telephony function on the Internet. The World Wide Web, an extensive network of interconnected documents, serves as a crucial element of the Internet.
2. Instagram ( Instagram ) Instagram, a renowned social media platform, was initially launched in 2010 by innovators Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. It originated as a check-in app known as Burbn, but later transitioned into a photo-sharing application, hence the name Instagram. The platform is globally acclaimed for its ability to share photos and videos, augmented by features such as hashtags, stories, and private messaging. Over the years, Instagram has seen substantial growth and transformation, broadening its reach to various operating systems and consistently integrating new tools and features. These additions encompass IGTV, Reels, and improvements to live streaming, all aimed at enriching the user experience. Instagram also prioritizes user safety, enforcing child protection policies and privacy safeguards. It has emerged as a crucial component in digital marketing, with advertising campaigns and influencer collaboration tactics.
Internet celebrity (Wikipedia)

An internet celebrity (also referred to as a social media influencer, social media personality, internet personality, online personality, or influencer) is an individual who has acquired or developed their fame and notability on the Internet. The growing popularity of social media provides a means for people to reach a large, global audience. Internet celebrities are often found on large online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, which primarily rely on user-generated content.

Khaby Lame, an Internet celebrity, with a Tik Tok background.
Internet celebrity Khaby Lame in 2021

Certain internet celebrities may function as lifestyle gurus promoting a particular lifestyle or attitude. In this capacity they act as key amplifiers of trends across various genres including fashion, cooking, technology, travel, video games, movies, esports, politics, music, sports, and entertainment. As part of influencer marketing, companies and organizations may enlist internet celebrities to advertise their products to their fan base and followers on their respective platforms.

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