celebrities & influencers: there's much more to fame than what we see 💭 DEEP DIVE (EP. 2): FAME

IG: / rowenatsai | With the majority of kids wanting to grow up and become famous influencers, where do we really stand as a society? Will fame solve all our problems, or create more? How come we’re not talking more about celebrities and how almost most of them are not okay? 🙂 Thank you @FinancialTimes for sponsoring this video! Get your first month for $1: subs.ft.com/rowena_tsai?segme... (T&Cs Apply)
Thumbnail article: / the-psychology-of-fame...
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TIMESTAMP:
0:00 Intro
1:13 Thanks for supporting brands that support this channel :')
2:24 The History of Fame
7:00 The Two Types of Fame
8:31 How Fame Changes People
17:54 The Role We Play
21:44 My Personal Thoughts on Fame
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✨ If you’re at all curious:
• My spiritual practice, Falun Dafa bit.ly/2z49zqz
• If you're interested in reading more, start with this to get an understanding of what qigong entails bit.ly/2u8DXOC
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*Best to read start to finish in the shortest time possible for the highest benefit.
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Video edited by Rowena Tsai
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[@meggurmt9200]

One of my favorite KZbinrs was bestdressed. She was showing fashion content and also lifestyle. She was this college girl in California. And she was just awesome and very relatable. She talked about mental health too and being a woman. And from cali she moved to new york and her last video was her telling her viewers she has stalker and then she hasnt posted any videos since then and made me so sad. She still pretty active in instagram but I do miss her and think about her youtube content sometimes and I hope she comes back in her own time. 🥺

[@carrieislost]

I liked her too! I still rewatch her room makeover videos all the time.

[@amayaperry]

Omg me too!

[@ewitsshannen]

These conversations always remind me of Christina Grimmie who really paid the ultimate price of fame. It's really important to separate ourselves from the idea of celebrity and remember these are normal people just like those in our own circles.

[@rowena]

!! this was what I was referencing when I talked about ryan higa but google wasn’t too keen on the keywords I was searching to try to find Christina’s name 🥺 I just read more into it and am utterly gutted

[@ewitsshannen]

@@rowena You shared such an important message that I hope people don't get too lost in. As a young woman, I already live with a certain sense of fear in the general public, and I have no online following. I cannot imagine the sense of paranoia one must have when thousands (if not millions) of people see you as a part of their life and have some sense of ownership to you, even if you have never interacted with them. I hope each of us gains a bit more solidarity for our fellow humans, regardless of status or wealth, from hearing your message.

[@laurat.4791]

first thing we learned in philosophy class... Fame is nothing to aspire to, if anything its violence to the human soul.

[@MagisterialVoyager]

How interesting! May I ask how is that violence? I have my own hypothesis, but I'm interested to what you've learned and discussed in that philosophy class.

[@laurat.4791]

I think theres a ton of reasons out there but I will mention two that stand out to me. First the human soul was never meant to be consumed. Second if u happen to become famous by doing sth you love eg music or painting it often gets taken away from u either externally by the public or internally bc you made your passion your paycheck and commodification always leads to desacralization. What was the point you had in mind? @@MagisterialVoyager

[@MagisterialVoyager]

@@laurat.4791 Thank you for that! Not too different, actually. I believe we're made for close, intimate, "real" relationships, not "fame"-based one is the simple way to put it. I've been thinking about how us becoming us, as in Homo Sapiens, and I don't think we're, at least, biologically evolved to be able to always maintain fame healthily, unlike maintaining actual human-to-human personal relationships.

[@mixwrites]

I love every bit of this. As author I kind of get to "hide" behind my books and so far I've only ever been recognized at bookstores / bookish events / etc, so it's something I can prepare for, but it's still this weird moment of like, "Oh, this person knows me, but I don't know them, and they already have a preconceived idea of Who I Am and What I Stand For in their head" and the tangle of feelings that comes with that. No one really prepares you for what it means to become a public figure - even if you think you know what it entails, you can't really understand until you're there, even if it's on a micro level. And it's easy to forget that even if *you* are willingly signing up for that life, your loved ones probably didn't. It's been really interesting to watch creators reset boundaries around their partners, their children, etc, and I think there's going to be a reckoning in the next few years as we start to understand the consequences of what it means to have so many aspects of your life turned into content for other people's consumption.

[@demireyes]

I felt like I had just had a lovely, deep chat with my wise, loving older sister. I loved how you stripped everything back, kept it simple and chatted with us through the screen. I've also thought about fame recently, especially since I started KZbin. I love creating content and putting my heart and creations out there. Because I get stressed from working as a doctor full-time, KZbin has been my release and has helped me tap into my creative side. But I also realised as my channel grew that I've started to worry about the negative side of fame. I've heard of all the negative aspects and stories of famous KZbinrs who have quit, and I also watched Celebrity! It was nice listening to your perspective and thoughts and reading the discussions in the comments. Thank you, Rowena for the video

[@clau_sing_]

People tend to be quick to judge celebrities, and I do it too, because we think to ourselves "it's what they get for being on the position they're in" forgetting, like you said, that they're only human and there's so much more behind the persona

[@emmaf8264]

love this. im super shy and private and just dated a famous band frontman- he’s just such a brilliant writer and the kindest human- and it was a bit heartbreaking to see it take over his personal life and ultimately see our relationship and his mental health sacrificed to his art/fame. he’s brilliant but the inability to stay in one place, stay emotionally vulnerable, and maintain both a relationship and a career is unnerving. his whole life is his career… fame terrifies me.

[@RK-bn2mc]

This video was super insightful cause I was just wondering about the whole Doja cat scandal where people just don’t like that she’s speaking out… she’s saying she doesn’t know any of her fans and doesn’t owe them an explanation or owe them anything and that’s so valid, but people are so upset by it. Parasocial relationships are strange

[@AmeyaGhuge80032]

I like the new styles of content you are doing Rowena, it's refreshing and provides a different perspective from some who isn't afraid to pull back the curtain on these topics!

[@purpleheath4314]

This is very insightful, thank you for sharing this. I'm a mother of 3 and I always remind my children that fame is just a temporary thing and it's not a guarantee that that will bring you that real joy and fulfillment. There are a lot of famous and popular celebrities out there who still find themselves lost and empty, others even commit suicide which is a very sad thing. In today's world where society has become so judgmental and harsh, may we allow ourselves to step back and reconnect with ourselves. Refelct and ponder on what is really important and essential in our lives. and recognize what makes you fulfilled at the end of the day. Ms. Rowena, keep up with what you are doing, you have inspired a 47 y.o mother here. :-) Blessings!

[@shakillia]

I am so glad that you made a video about this. I often find myself grappling with my own youtube journey on the idea of fame. It's very much possible to suddenly become viral. Well, not even to become viral but to suddenly have a decent following on youtube. My concern is when the lines between my personal life, my personal self and that of my youtube career become blurred. My goal is to have my channel grow, become a full time creator, and start my own business. But just how much success is enough success for me? Do I want to be on the same level as these big youtubers like Mr. Beast? Probably not. I honestly never yearned for celebrity status and have always been aware of the cons. But I still want to become successful enough to make a differnece. To live comfortably in the way that I want to live. But at what cost? It's a great topic to digest and to reflect on. P.S Parent Trap is my all-time favorite lindsey lohan movie!

[@demireyes]

I love this comment and echoes what I have been feeling about my KZbin journey too. Rowena is so great to introduce this topic to us all and makes us feel that we're not alone with our thoughts

[@pjgr1231]

this video reminded me of a bo burnham quote I love from Make Happy, "I know very little about anything. But what I do know is that if you can live your life without an audience, you should do it."

[@emmarushlow9881]

I've been thinking through the fame concept for a few months now, asking my friends what they think, and trying to figure it out. this video really helped answer some things. I really enjoyed learning about the history as well. I think with the rise of socail media, the idea of "becoming famous" is more valued to my generation than any before. It's prioritized over mental health and wellness. Quality of content over quality of life. That's really sad :( This video really helps me learn how to embrace life in the smallest moments, and not be caught up in the ever changing race of celebrity status and money. Great video!

[@ninanguyen4359]

This video comes up at the perfect time, I really enjoy the part where you talk about the history of fame, it helps me think about fame in a different way, rather than something to be scared of it's something to be understood. Seeing someone trying to stay true to themselves inspires me to do so as well.

[@tika2077]

as your channel grow bigger, i hope you will always get to find your peace and joy at making content. you and your videos have been helping me a lot. and what im trying to say is...please dont disappear from youtube like any other creators 😭😭😭 take breaks as much as you want, but dont be completely disappear. you are my comfort channel eheheh. send a lots of love ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alina.kublina]

Rowena, thanks for this video! It really helped me to feel better! For past few months I’ve been watching way too many content of influencers, KZbinrs or other celebrities.. it actually has damaged my mental health a lot.. I always tell to myself that I’m mindful about content I’m consuming, but still, I often feel trapped in thoughts that something isn’t right with my life, with lifestyle I live, with country where I’m living. It really often feels like I’m not as good as those super stunning and mega successful celebs.. I can’t help but compare our lives, even though I shouldn’t - people who inspire me often are more than five years older than me so it kinda makes sense that they have achieved more. This video really reminded to look at them from a different perspective and made me appreciate the life, the people and the skills I already have in my life now! It reminded that I’m privileged to life that I have.. Now I feel more grateful. You helped me to get out of my big black hole, thanks :)

[@stardust103]

the thing i'm very sad about is that there are specific jobs you cannot do well without getting famous. like actors, singers, models... they cannot just be appreciated for how good they are at what they do like if they were great doctors, vets, professors... there is the societal automatic reaction to want to know everything about them and for certain troubled people to even follow them and force their presence on their lives. it is so unfortunate to really want to use your talents and show it to people without becoming famous and lose a chance at a normal life forever.

[@vidademija]

You should consider community theatre as a starting point if you’re not sure if you want to do it on a Hollywood scale. It’s a great way to story tell and act

[@urm8mandy]

a little off topic, but your hair is so mesmerizing and satisfying to watch! even in your video about TikTok I just couldn’t stop admiring your hair. been loving the mix of your regular vlog/self-help style videos and video essay style content lately btw! ❤

[@kseniab8187]

So thoughtful and insightful! Thanks for bringing this topic, there’s definitely something to think of

[@abirelaoui287]

I was watching one of your old videos and I saw you uploaded 😭 so happy

[@betsyberistain]

Beautiful Row i really love this kind of videos!!! thank you so much for be you!!!!!!! P.D i looooooove your hugs!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dr.milk_51]

Tbh, its difficult to truly emphasize with yk these stereotypically rich people who asked for stardom. In reality, theres a deeper side to fame and i think alyson stoner has been doing an excellent job breaking down this "toddler-to-trainwreck" pipeline in her podcast. It is especially important to take into consideration how childrens lives can be turned upside down due to their own fame or their parents fame and they get sucked into a nasty world where the "vulgar" public feels entitled to celebrity lives and bodies, in an industry thats inherently exploitative.

[@lucy_woodward]

love your perspectives and the way you speak about these sorts of topics, would love to see more similar vids🩵

[@amandaeppolito]

wow wow wow.... every single thing you said resonated so much. especially the "connecting with others through a different medium" and just learning something to learn it without feeling the need to be the BEST at it someday. Rowena, you are such a guiding light in this world and my life! thank you!

[@michelleodvina663]

another day, another video from my favorite person! ❤

[@rowena]

blushing 🤭

[@michaelaunohoo]

I missed watching your videos so I came to your channel to just look at it, with longing... Ahaha. And I realized I haven't seen this video yet! I really enjoy it, when you make this type of informative videos with objective information as well as your world view and thoughts. This might be my favourite genre of videos currently ❤ that being said I love and miss your content of any kind, especially the podcast with Viv which I binge-listened while working this winter and it was such a joy. I hope you're doing well *hugs*

[@gigigilbert6896]

i love these videos and how well you research about these topics!! can you make a video on how you research topics? i’ve always wanted to research certain topics but i never know how or where to start.

[@honeyedwinds]

Great video. Loved your insight. As well I wanted to get into acting but I put that down cause I can not for the life of me sacrifice my privacy.

[@its_soops]

THISS!! luved this, all the points!

[@atalyadeleon8636]

thank you for always being true to yourself, hope you always find it easy to stay true no matter the situation. and thank you for always inspire us 💞

[@traversatile3471]

Mixed in with trauma and mental health, I feel there's a whole other category of psychology we could delve into and expand upon regarding your section of how fame changes the individual person. Invasion of privacy could very understandably lead to the polar opposite response: putting up walls and turning into an antagonistic recluse as a coping mechanism for the brain to try to get a sense of safety again. Attention-seeking behaviors like doing something dramatic just to get a reaction could be tracked to the inherent need for attention or love that wasn't fulfilled growing up. You get the idea. Whether through family dysfunction or, as you mentioned, trauma that comes from the industry, the basic human needs of safety, community, dignity, etc. are not met. When human needs are not met, that gives birth to abnormal or immoral behaviors in anyone, let alone someone who's in the spotlight, which could easily amplify the intensity, and therefore amplify the abnormal human behavior. Great video! This was rejuvenating to my soul to listen to a topic as unique and heartfelt and well-researched as this. 💗

[@Snips.tano89]

Love Love Love how much you've been tlaking about more controversial topics, and sharing your point of view more often. Love you as always Ro:)

[@SlunchoWolfsong]

Bit late to the show. My personal opinion in fame is that it differs from society to society. In the European country I live when we see a celebrity doing their thing shopping or common errands, we smile at them at best. We respect their personal lives. On concerts, shows or public events tho, we are an adoring crowd. I do not get the American way of fanship and I believe it created a lot of false celebrities that are bad for our whole society as well as crushing the lives of really good talented people that deserved to be known for. Thank you for bringing that topic up in my mind. We are having fame in our own lil bubbles and thats enough ❤

[@RismaB.]

Yes. I love this video.

[@TravisAtreo]

this entire video was like an elixir to me this morning Ro! (S/o to partner for letting me know you dropped this) Cant wait till we get to hang, I cannot tell you how much this spoke to me Ro. Want to chat more about it with you!

[@Anna08371]

I started thinking about those big houses recently …. Like they have HUGE homes because they have to live at home….. and while it’s amazing they don’t have to worry about bills or food…. It’s very sad to think of never being able to go out without having to be on guard. I never want to be famous. No matter how many bills can be paid tbh. It’s a freedom loss either way.

[@mkcustard]

I love your commentary videos and watching your content evolve. You’ve been a place to turn in the happy planning times and sad lost girly times for so many years. You’ve definitely made a difference in my life , so thank you ❤

[@LorraineVirginie]

I’ve always said I’d never want to be famous. It seems traumatic. No thank you. 😅

[@writingconstellations]

Really ressonated with this video and your ending thoughts❤

[@sarahhutton5741]

I am obsessed with these new chatty videos! So interesting 🫶

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I always heard the quote from Jim Carey about fame and when I was younger I still wanted it in some way thinking it would help solve my problems and it definitely won't and I've worked on myself so so much and now I absolutely don't want that and don't want to share my life so publicly

[@wearethelivingart]

❤ I loved this video more than many other videos ... bravo

[@rowena]

thank you 🥹💕

[@MahnaMobina]

I really loved this video. I am so happy that I know your channel:)

[@rowena]

🥹🫶🫶

[@amethystdream8251]

The human species has some work to do around jealousy. That's what all this is at the root. I've studied this a lot myself, I'm hoping in my lifetime that I will see us understanding this and replacing that void of jealousy with more constructive stuff. Trying to be optimistic here.

[@arianeluire4322]

hahaha love how u said BAUHAUS :D the original bauhaus is actually in my hometown Dessau in Germany :)) crazy how people around the world know something so normal to me in a relativley small city

[@ByKristyLin]

Ever since I watched Rosemary's Baby I feel like I notice how many souls have been bought and sold

[@alonemusk27]

BESTIE POSTEDDDD💓💓💓💓

[@saltair1329]

Informative video and I found the history of fame to be interesting! I will say, I can understand why people might not be super empathetic. Every person/lifestyle has battles and famous people aren’t exempt. I think that’s more than fair and they do get many privileges.

[@rowena]

thank you! and I agree 🫶 the point is less to empathize and more to question if that life /lifestyle is even something we’d want for ourselves seeing as the majority of the next generation want to be influenced when they grow up

[@shahreenhossain518]

Love you forever Rowena ❤

[@lovergirlmp3]

The concept of fame terrifies me, not gonna lie. As for celebrities, I always think, oh this famous artist, he's just a guy doing his job. Same as a grocery store cashier is just a guy doing his job. I have my favorite artists and it's actually concerning and even off putting how people idolize them and go crazy for them, over what? It seems equally dehumanizing to me as hating on them. Can we please see the human person behind this fame bubble and respect them as such?

[@ada-fe6pb]

very interesting thoughts. i feel like a lot of creators nowadays want to influence without being an influencer per say? not sure if both is possible tho. kinda like having the cake and eating it too.

[@andreapinedo2608]

I can't wait to go home after work and really listening to this! ❤

[@Sarahthevampyrslayer]

As someone who spent the last 13 years of her life struggling to just eat and not be homeless, I don't care about the "struggles" some rich white man is dealing with because he decided to pursue a career that included fame. I think it seems like no one cares, because we're all just worrying about ourselves right now. Most of us have to choose between eating or paying a bill. We find it hard to feel bad because someone has to buy every seat at the movies to enjoy it. Like, sorry you have to rent out the entire theater for yourself...but there are literally people sleeping in storm drains right now. I just can't bring myself to feel bad for rich privileged people. It reminds me of that Kardashian meme "Kim, there are people who are dying." There are so many articles and think pieces about the "struggles" of being famous though. People are discussing it. The thing is a lot of us are in survival mode. We don't have the luxury to think about how much of a "struggle" it must be to have the time and money to rent out an entire theater to watch a movie. A lot of people are struggling to afford a movie ticket at all. And I know the entire point of this wasn't about the movie theater thing, but about the struggles to have some sort of private life when you're famous, but even that seems like a KNOWN factor in fame. People KNOW they're going to lose their sense of privacy if they become famous, yet they pursue it anyways.

[@rowena]

appreciate you for taking the time to share your thoughts 💗 the point of this video isn’t to empathize with those who are famous, rather I’m hoping to dispel the myths around fame, why it’s something we as a society need to spend less mental space on, and attempt to exercise some form of compassion especially to those we feel are least deserving (could be ourselves, could be others)

[@kayebohemier]

I think of the modern influencer space as a kind of sophistry. Sophists can span a wide range of ethical capacity and choice, but it's not the same as getting life advice from a philosopher or monk or other spiritual leader. Plato also warned against fame. It tends to have a fragmenting impact on the people unlucky enough to be in its crosshairs ... and I know you're no stranger to that because some journalist pieces have tried linking you to some Falun Gong covert outreach conspiracy. I was also raised in a New Religious Movement (Neopaganism, or going back to pre-Christian deities and focusing on pluralism because we all worship different Gods and that is okay because we all have different personalities and needs) and am old enough to remember how we were targeted in the final days of the Satanic Panic, so those articles you were mentioned in really just looked like fearmongering to me. Sometimes people are simply people, and it's farfetched to suspect someone of wrongdoing for being spiritual and involved in their spiritual community. There has to be actual evidence to make a claim otherwise. Also, thank you for that FT intro. We subscribe to it in my library, and you explained it so well. Many universities have sitewide access for students.

[@rimini_wav]

As a german, I love how you said Bauhaus. Nice pronunciation, but just off enough to be cute 😊

[@marzettik]

Interesting video. ❤

[@annamarihiljanen5221]

Exact thoughts of mine.. also, I hate how much celebrities there is nowadays.. or even if they're not they are treated like one. I don't think it is a good thing.. Many of those are just sad and hollow inside. It's not good for their mental health to be famous or people to be so obsessed with celebrities..

[@ER_Utube]

An interesting thing to note! I love your name, so I Googled the meaning of Rowena...Surprisingly, one search mentioned that it "descends from Old German, and it means 'fame and happiness.'" How cool is that!?

[@rowena]

how serendipitous!! 🫢

[@amelia1868]

I don't usually comment, but there is a feeling I get from you from this video, so I wanted to say that I hope you are fine and that you prioritize your mental health, through your favorite ways or psychotherapy.

[@rowena]

🥹🫶 thank you. it may be the manifestation of me feeling rushed when I was filming lol my family was waiting for me to be places 😅

[@amelia1868]

@@rowena I'm really thankful that you are fine! Lots of love!

[@user-we8dn5ub9z]

I think Pewdiepie illustrates this really well. I know a lot of people don’t like him anymore because he’s said some really insensitive things in the past. However, he was one of those older KZbinrs who became famous “by accident”, before people went out here actively trying to become influencers. You can tell it took a huge toll on him and he talked about it before. But now he moved to Japan with his wife and they started a family and live a relatively quiet life. But he still posts videos and has a smaller audience. You can tell how much happier he is not being recognised on the street all the time and being able to do normal things but still being able to use KZbin as his creative outlet and career. I actually think it was really smart of him to move to a country where a) many people don’t speak English and aren’t watching western KZbinrs and b) have a culture of tending to keep to yourself in public. He’s almost getting the best of both worlds there - being able to make content and reach a large audience but not having to deal with many of the consequences of fame

[@Sarahthevampyrslayer]

Wow, I am very early LOL.

[@rowena]

the earliest 🤭🫶

[@BrooklynLai-wg8hl]

Just do Buddhism for awkwafina