The recent birth of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s son, Akaay Kohli, has sparked a frenzy on social media, particularly concerning the creation of accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter under the baby’s name. This phenomenon can be understood through the lens of “celebrity culture” and “hero worship,” two intertwined concepts that sociologists have studied for decades.

Celebrity Culture: A Global Phenomenon

Celebrity culture thrives on the public’s fascination with the lives of famous individuals. Sociologists like Daniel Boorstin argue that this manufactured obsession stems from a desire to escape the mundane realities of everyday life. Celebrities become idealized figures, offering a glimpse into a world of glamour, wealth, and privilege.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter further amplify this phenomenon. Celebrities curate their online personas, sharing carefully crafted images and narratives that fuel public interest. Fans feel a sense of intimacy and connection, fostering a parasocial relationship where they feel they “know” the celebrity.

Hero Worship: Deifying the Stars

Hero worship, a term coined by Thomas Carlyle, describes the veneration of public figures. Sociologists point out that celebrities often take on characteristics traditionally associated with heroes – exceptional talent, charisma, and success. This deification can be particularly intense in India, where cricketers like Virat Kohli are seen as cultural icons.

The Case of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s Son

The birth of Akaay Kohli, son of India’s cricket royalty Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, was met with immense media coverage and public interest. This interest has extended to social media, with numerous accounts being created under the baby’s name. While some of these accounts are likely fan pages, others pose as if they are managed by Akaay himself, an impossibility given his age.

Sociological Theories at Play

Several sociological theories can illuminate the public’s fascination with celebrity babies and the creation of social media accounts in their names:

• Symbolic Interactionism: This theory, championed by Erving Goffman, emphasizes how individuals construct meaning through social interaction. In celebrity culture, the media shapes public perception of celebrities and their families. The constant media barrage surrounding celebrity pregnancies and births creates a narrative of anticipation and importance, even for a newborn baby. Social media users, eager to participate in this narrative, create content to feel connected to the event.
• Cultivation Theory: Developed by Herbert Gans, this theory suggests that prolonged exposure to media content shapes our view of reality. The constant portrayal of celebrities’ seemingly perfect lives can create a sense of envy and a distorted perception of social mobility. Fans extend this perception to the celebrities’ children, assuming their lives will also be glamorous and privileged. This can lead to a desire for parasocial connection and a sense of entitlement to information about the child’s life, even if it infringes on their privacy.
• Social Exchange Theory: This theory, proposed by George Homans, posits that social interactions are guided by a cost-benefit analysis. Fans “invest” their attention and emotional energy in celebrities, expecting something in return. In the case of celebrity babies, this “investment” can take the form of following social media accounts in their name, believing it gives them a special connection to the celebrity family.

The Dark Side of Hero Worship: When Scrutiny Turns Toxic

The intense scrutiny surrounding celebrity pregnancies and children can have negative consequences. In their zeal to connect with the celebrity family, fans can invade the privacy of the child. Creating social media accounts in a minor’s name, even if with positive intentions, can establish an unhealthy online presence that the child has no control over. This can also put pressure on the parents, who may feel obligated to share details about their child’s life to appease the public interest.

Finding Balance: A More Sustainable Relationship with Celebrities

While celebrity culture is here to stay, a more balanced approach is necessary, especially when it comes to celebrity children. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Critical Media Consumption: Being mindful of media narratives and recognizing the curated nature of celebrity online personas is crucial. Social media users should be skeptical of accounts claiming to represent a minor and avoid engaging with them.
• Prioritizing Privacy: Respecting the privacy of celebrities and their children, particularly when it comes to their personal lives and images. Social media platforms also have a responsibility to remove fake accounts impersonating minors.
• Focusing on Achievement: Applauding celebrities for their talents and accomplishments, rather than becoming overly invested in their personal lives, especially their children’s lives.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Hero Worship in the Digital Age

The immediate and unfiltered nature of these platforms allows for a constant stream of information and speculation about celebrities’ lives, including their children. This can fuel unrealistic expectations and a sense of entitlement to personal details.

The Age of Digital Scrutiny

The internet age has ushered in a new era of celebrity scrutiny. Paparazzi culture has been amplified by social media, with fans taking on the role of citizen journalists, constantly capturing and sharing images and videos of celebrities and their families. This constant exposure can be overwhelming and intrusive, particularly for children who have no say in their online presence.

The Line Between Admiration and Intrusion

The line between admiration and intrusion can easily blur in the digital age. Fans who idolize celebrities may feel justified in scrutinizing every aspect of their lives, including their parenting choices. However, it’s important to remember that celebrities are also human beings with the right to privacy, especially for their children.

Towards a More Responsible Fan Culture

Moving forward, a more responsible and respectful approach to celebrity culture is crucial. Here are some suggestions:

• Supporting Positive Role Models: Celebrities who use their platform to advocate for social good can inspire fans to emulate their positive actions, rather than just focusing on their personal lives. Fans can choose to follow celebrities who promote causes they care about, shifting the focus from celebrity gossip to social impact.
• Championing Child Privacy: Social media platforms and users can work together to protect children’s privacy online. This includes reporting fake accounts impersonating minors and advocating for stricter policies against sharing children’s images without parental consent. Users can also refrain from sharing content that exploits or endangers children, even if it’s from seemingly “innocent” fan accounts.
• Cultivating Critical Thinking: Fans can develop a more critical perspective on celebrity culture, recognizing the curated nature of online personas and the potential for manipulation by media narratives. By understanding the psychology behind celebrity media strategies, fans can become less susceptible to unrealistic portrayals and focus on the genuine talents and achievements of their favorite celebrities.

The birth of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s son, Akaay Kohli, has sparked a conversation about the boundaries of celebrity culture in the digital age. By understanding the sociological concepts of celebrity worship and hero worship, we can navigate this complex landscape more responsibly.

Let’s strive to create a fan culture that celebrates achievement, prioritizes privacy, and protects children from undue scrutiny. This will allow us to develop a healthier relationship with celebrities and their families in the age of social media. In doing so, we can shift the focus from celebrity gossip to something more meaningful, fostering a more positive and responsible online environment for all.

Share your opinion in the comments

Please consider sharing this article and subscribe to our telegram channel by clicking here