I bet many famous people would agree with that statement. You’re surrounded by masses of people who “love” you.
At the same time, you’re isolated from them. It must feel like a curse at times.
David Bowie – Fame
If a fickle public turns on you, it will try to wreck your confidence and your life. Enemies new and old. Die-hard fans defending you in all the wrong ways. Stalkers who want to do a John Lennon on you.
You couldn’t pay me enough.
Internet famous looks even more horrifying, because it can happen so fast. I don’t envy it and I feel sympathy for those it happens to, even the “bad” ones. If you seek it and it happens, you’re the dog that caught the car. Like old school famous with extra death threats.
Being young on today’s Internet would’ve broken my brain. Being “known in town” was hard enough.
First and hopefully last paparazzi photo.
Creators at any age who handle viral fame with grace and integrity impress the hell out of me.
How hard it must be, competitors hoping to take you down at any moment, getting imprisoned by your own fan club who will punish you if you slip up or change.
It’s why I both admire and feel bad for today’s youth. They are so adaptable – I can barely stay on my surfboard anymore. But the anxiety must be crushing.
My wish for the young is that they receive what they’re really looking for, to find meaningful connections and be understood.
Late Boomer's Den 