Parasocial or Personal Space?

Graphics by Anika Dua

We’re not sure what's been in the water the last few years, but fans are getting very gutsy when it comes to stalking their favorite celebrities. People have been following celebrities into restaurants, stores, and even to weddings? (We’re looking at everyone who crashed Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s wedding).

It might be due to the lack of interaction many people had during COVID that’s making everyone a little extra obsessive over their “internet besties.” But we here at Jerk can say for sure that we are ready for this to stop. 

It’s not funny or quirky to stalk people. 

Paparazzi have also gotten more gutsy these days; photographers are chasing celebs and even took helicopter photos of the Friends cast walking into their best friend’s funeral. Interviewers at post-game press conferences are asking Travis Kelce if he and Taylor Swift are in love. Get a grip and give them an ounce of respect!

While we understand the craving for a peek into a favorite celebrity’s life, we keep coming back to the kindergarten’s golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated, AKA back the fuck off. 

Some celebrity news pages have begun to stop sharing these leaked photos or gossip in order to respect people’s privacy, and we hope this idea catches on. 

Our recommendation? Go listen to peace by Taylor Swift, then rethink your parasocial obsession with your favorite celeb.