Mirror, Mirror on the Web

From toddlers who recite the capital cities of every state or play classical music to teens who promote their charity fundraisers or analysis of globalization, anyone can pursue fame on internet sites like youtube.com. The site allows anyone with access to a digital video camera to critique the world’s most famous actors, journalists, musicians or politicians - and display his or her own skills as well. “The democratization of fame, however, comes at a significant price,” writes journalist Lakshmi Chaudhry, pointing to transitory relationships, narcissism and a generation of young who seek only fame. Celebrity in and of itself produces little of social value, except for some tragic morality tales that offer insights into the real values of human life and relationships. “We confuse the web's promise of increased visibility with real change,” suggests Chaudhry. The internet, the public and even the celebrities themselves have so much more potential to contribute by discovering, devising and distributing solutions to global problems. – YaleGlobal