Abbey Kostyal
Internet stars are all over and famous for so many reasons. In some cases, stars are famous for things few would be known for if social media were not involved, such as gaming or pranking people. Though fame is often granted for simply making a funny video, the internet is still a great resource for those who are talented and would have trouble getting famous otherwise.

Would many people get famous enough to be recognized for their makeup skill if there was no social media to build off of? While those who are musically inclined have better access to fame by other means, such as shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent, more people prefer the internet, and using that instead brings audiences from all over the world. Those who wish to make a name for themselves would be foolish not to utilize social media as a platform for their careers.

Yet not all success comes from talent and that is where debate over internet fame brews. Many people are famous for stupid reasons, but does the popularity of their content say more about the creators or what it takes to captivate the interest of those who watch them?

While it may seem strange that millions of people clicked on pointless videos, their creation successfully captivated audiences. If anything, those bringing in views must be skilled at marketing and using media to their advantage. Entertainment is still entertainment, as trivial as it may be.

Their popularity does not just end online. Many become successful in the real world due to internet fame, such as Dan Howell and Phil Lester, who hold a spot on BBC Radio 1, hosted interviews on the red carpet for the BRIT awards, were voice actors in the British version of Big Hero 6 and went on a book tour in the UK, US and Australia. Thomas Sanders, a famous Vine star and rising actor, is close friends with the actors of Hamilton and presented his comedy musical, Ultimate Storytime Tour, in North America.

Without their fan bases on social media, both of these big names would not have achieved these feats as easily, if at all. Many publicly acknowledge how much their fan bases mean to them and that they are wherever they are because of those fans.

Beauty gurus have gotten successful due to their YouTube careers, as well. Michelle Phan, for example, has her own successful makeup line. Grav3yardGirl and Tarte teamed up to create a palette that sells in Sephora and Ulta. Bethany Mota and Aeropostale teamed up to create a clothing line.

Some may reach a strong internet status for stupid reasons, but their fame can result in things that better the world. Daniel Skye, who became an internet meme due to viral videos a friend posted of him every time he wore Vans, became internet famous. The Vans company noticed this and decided to send him a lifetime supply of their shoes. Skye took those shoes and donated them to a children’s hospital. He also is an aspiring musician, and the attention he attracted boosted his career very quickly.

Should people stop watching dumb videos to stop inflating egos of those we think are hardly average and only support talented internet celebrities? Unless one truly despises the concept of internet fame, it is not really necessary. To be spiteful because someone rose to fame when it is just as easy for that viewer to do so is pointless.

Is it really that shocking that those who gain followers today create dumb videos?  It isn’t much different than what is popular on television, like reality shows, except people tend to be less picky when the content is under 5 minutes.

Is the fame that many internet celebrities hold often misplaced and does it come from things that would not be celebrated in the real world? Maybe, but the internet is a vital asset for aspiring creators and entertainers. This is helpful for both them and those who support the creators, those who gain friends and entertainment from internet stars. Even if no one believes that internet stars deserve to be famous, who could imagine a world without Thomas Sanders’ witty Vines?