The Controversy of Internet Stars on Television

The controversy of internet stars on television has been going on since the mid 2000s. When YouTube gained momentum, it was more popular for stars to be put into mainstream media causing a complete uproar for people viewing and actors and actresses in the industry. It posed the question of, “just because they're famous, what makes them qualified to act?”

AwesomenessTV gained popularity back in 2014, making films and movies only starring social media stars. As a fourteen year old, I was obsessed with AwesomenessTV. Nickelodeon would pick up some movies, and I would see the people that would talk on my phone on my cable TV. It was like watching a friend making their big break. I thought it was truly the way to stardom by making videos in your room right to the red carpet and it was the case for some!

Cameron Dallas for example, one of the MagCon boys, starred in numerous films including Expelled, The Outfield, and the TV show, Chasing Cameron. By 2017, Dallas began his music career where I actually was invited to attend to listen to his music. As I arrived at the party, I quickly realized kind of how self-centered, and egotistical he had become from being on the internet, and handed these opportunities. It was like I took off the rose colored glasses and understood now why people got so upset with internet stars getting these roles. If I were in college for theater, acting, arts, etc. and this person who got popular for their good looks got the same role I auditioned for.

When looking at the way media works now in college, the other side also makes sense. Using stars that already have the momentum, and putting them in movies and tv shows, gains viewership for two reasons. One for the want to see them fail, and the other out of true fanship in seeing internet stars on the big screen.