The End of Traditional Celebrity: A Shift Towards a New Era of Anti-Idols

 

As celebrities continue to dominate mainstream culture, from former U.S. presidents transitioning to reality TV to Taylor Swift breaking records with the largest and most lucrative music tour in history, it may seem as though the age of mass celebrity is only growing stronger. However, a closer look reveals a surprising shift — a move away from traditional celebrity worship, particularly among younger generations. This change is being fueled by the skepticism and disillusionment of Generation Z and younger millennials, who are coming of age in a fractured cultural landscape.

Unlike previous generations, who were captivated by A-list movie stars like Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt or tech moguls like Steve Jobs, Gen Z and millennials have grown up in an era where cable TV and central cultural figures are no longer as dominant. As linear television networks, such as MSNBC and CNN, lose viewers, and Hollywood’s cultural influence wanes, young people are increasingly disinterested in the celebrities who once commanded their attention. They no longer gather around shared TV shows or take political cues from late-night hosts. Instead, entertainment has become more decentralized, with platforms like TikTok enabling new stars, but also giving rise to new forms of backlash.

A viral TikTok trend that aimed to "ignore" influencers like JoJo Siwa, once a social media sensation, highlights this shift. While Siwa’s fortune makes her immune to the trend’s effects, the very notion of actively diminishing the influence of celebrities, a concept unthinkable just a few years ago, signals growing frustration with celebrity culture. The trend is part of what writer Mo Diggs calls “personality exhaustion,” where young people are increasingly weary of the wealthy and famous, especially those who align with traditional power structures.

This growing distrust of elites is also reflected in politics. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, despite their massive fan bases, were unable to sway younger voters toward Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections, as many Gen Z voters grew disillusioned with their lack of vocal opposition to controversial issues like Israel’s actions in Gaza. The resentment against celebrities, who are perceived as part of the establishment, is palpable.

In this changing landscape, a new form of "anti-influencer" has emerged — Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of the politically charged murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Mangione, despite his controversial actions, has gained an unexpected following, with some online communities even supporting the killing. The outrage directed at Mangione from both conservative and liberal pundits has only fueled his rise as an anti-hero, with merchandise and even votive candles featuring his image becoming popular.

Mangione’s case is a striking example of how traditional notions of celebrity are giving way to a new form of idolization. The youth, especially those alienated from traditional structures, are increasingly rejecting mainstream stars in favor of figures who symbolize their anger and frustration with existing institutions. Mangione’s rise is less about the individual himself and more about the larger cultural shift underway.

As this trend continues, the next decade may see a deeper divide between those who embrace the status quo and those who seek to tear it down. The clash might not just be between political ideologies, but between those who worship the old icons and those who look for new heroes — ones who challenge the very institutions that have long held power over society. The rise of figures like Mangione reflects this growing desire for rebellion and change, signaling that the age of traditional celebrity is nearing its end.