By Brittany Snow | Production Chief
With the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of social media has increased and millions of eyes are watching the actions of celebrities. Because of this, entertainers should rethink what they promote to their fans during a time of quarantine and social distancing, and become better role models in this time of isolation.
Kim Kardashian, who has 191 million followers on Instagram and 67.3 million on Twitter, recently shared a lavish trip she enjoyed for her birthday. On Oct. 27, she tweeted, “After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time.”
Many responded to the situation with mixed emotions. Some congratulated her on this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, while others suggested she “read the room.” The United States is currently in the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak and the number of cases continue to rise. Although these numbers might not be the fault of the Kardashian’s lavish outings, it is irresponsible actions, such as these, that allow these numbers to grow.
Social media influencers have been known to throw parties in Los Angeles, specifically in the up and coming “content houses” with little to no precautions. These houses contain a mix of TikTokers, YouTubers, and a variety of Instagram stars. One of the most problematic groups in Los Angeles is Sway LA, run by TalentX Entertainment with Bryce Hall as one of the heads of the house.
In August, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered the power cut at the Hollywood Hills residence that police say “held parties in violation of public health orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Hall and roommate, Blake Gray, were charged with misdemeanor crimes for throwing large parties in their home during a pandemic. One of the largest parties, hosted over 100 maskless guests, according to Insider Magazine.
Personalities such as Kardashian and Hall should take their influence over the public more seriously. The irresponsible use of their privileges should not serve as a justification for large gatherings or group outings. Many might believe that their actions do not influence those of young adults, but professionals have said otherwise.
Martin Seligman, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, came to the conclusion in a 2018 study that “all kinds of media bombard teens with information about how they are supposed to dress, how to act, and what music, foods, and brands to like. This comes at a time when they’re already more vulnerable to peer influence.”
Young adults consider influencers as role models and copy their behaviors. If they see their idols partying and taking unnecessary trips across the world, for example, it allows teens to believe these actions are okay, further encouraging them to believe that these personalities are above the law.
Worse, because most people do not have access to the same quality of healthcare as these high profile individuals do, such as taking Covid tests whenever they deem necessary or vacationing on a private island during the pandemic, their actions create the false idea that what they do is safe for everyone else to do, too.
More celebrities need to use their platforms to promote actions such as quarantining at home, social distancing, and donating money to relief funds. These influencers need to take into account their power and become positive role models for the safety of their fans. If their behavior continues to be mirrored, the pandemic will continue on even longer, preventing society as a whole from getting back to normal.
