Intellect

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Authors:  Mark Wheeler 
DOI: 10.1386/jdtv.5.3.221_1

Keywords
celebrity politics,social media,citizenship,network society,cyber politics,democratization,elections,Internet

Abstract
This article provides an analysis of celebrity politics within the public sphere. As there has been a commodification of digital media services, the lines between politics and entertainment have been blurred. With the rise of talent shows, rolling news channels, Web 2.0 networks and user-generated online content, celebrity has become instantaneous and may be orchestrated in viral terms. Therefore, this analysis will consider how politicized celebrities (CP2s) have received a greater amount of coverage with reference to social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to associate themselves with endorsements, causes and activities. The article will provide a case study of the online dispute that occurred amongst film, television and music stars concerning Israel’s 2014 military action within Gaza. Finally, it will reflect upon whether celebrity activists’ use of the social media can reinvigorate politics or will such activity erode the political culture.