In her teens, journalist Emma Beddington dreamed of fame, imagining profiles in Vogue and appearances on Desert Island Discs. But as she grew older, fame lost its allure. Today, she argues, the internet age has made everyone feel a bit famous, and it's taking a toll on mental health.
Lena Dunham's 'Famesick' Exposes the Dark Side of Celebrity
Lena Dunham's new memoir, Famesick, candidly details the distorting effects of internet-age global celebrity. She describes an endless torrent of online hate, the way friends and strangers treat her as a 'bottomless resource,' and the toxic impact on her mental health. Dunham's experience echoes what many public figures face: the vibe of 'an abusive ex-husband,' as singer Chappell Roan put it.
Everyone With a Phone Is in the Public Eye
Comedian Larry Owens noted at one of Dunham's events that 'everyone with a phone is in the public eye.' Journalist Megan Garber's new book, Performance Anxiety, argues that social media and smartphones give people 'twitchy main-character energy,' leading to stage fright and an unsteady sense of self. Beddington agrees, pointing out that even non-influencers feel obscurely on show.
This constant performance affects daily life. People feel anxious, lonely, and driven to cosmetic enhancements. It's hard to love something without wondering who's watching or whether to post it. Celebrities have long warned that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be; now, many ordinary people are getting a microdose and finding they don't enjoy it.
The Future of Fame: Fragmentation or Disconnection?
Beddington speculates that the attention economy might become so fragmented that audiences shrink to niche groups—like seven residents who like fancy bantams or 14 gluten-free scone enthusiasts. Alternatively, people may break free from social media altogether. Until then, performing life remains an unsustainable way to live.
Emma Beddington is a Guardian columnist.
