“Clout chasers” are seen as a lens for the flattened hierarchal competition existing in online networks such as tiktok or instagram. Today in class, we spoke about the connectivity and competition that exists within networking hierarchies, and in broader terms, power structures. However, I believe that online clout chasers serve as a lens for this concept and are dangerous for online media networking. “Clout” is a word for fame, specifically relating to the internet, therefore “clout chasers” are people who “chase” for internet fame. The act of chasing fame can be defined in a multitude of ways, as to an extent, every online, media production can be perceived as an act of chasing some sort of fame. Inherently, there is the common posting or production of content for the attention of some sort of audience, such as partaking on a popular trend found online, or posting in a certain way. However, there are clout chasers, who will go to great lengths to obtain fame and popularity online. This can be found in people looking to be friends with people already famous to gain some of their popularity, which can be perceived as a selfish act. Another example is the spread of false information, or in some ways using “clickbait,” which is the act of publishing something, predominantly found online, whose purpose is to draw an audience with flashy titles or graphic imagery. By using click bait, or spreading false information, these media producers are gaining an audience through means of attention-grabbing ways. This is dangerous because it can influence audience members to do the things spread within the content, which may be unsafe or impossible for them to do; or it may spread information that is harmful to people, the outdoors, etc. Thus the act of competing for popularity among online networking platforms can be dangerous towards the audience they are producing and competing for, and what is more concerning is that in some cases, the effect on the audience is not considered thoroughly by some influencers.
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Your example is very effective in demonstrating power in a network. On top of the examples of “attention-grabbing tactics” that you mention, I think clout chasers are also effective by scheduling. Many popular creators specify when they post and what time they will be posting to create a network of people specified to their content within the larger network of popularity on a specific app. This tactic, in particular, is carried out through countdowns to their posting date and time as well as an overabundance of self-advertising prior to the video being posted. This creates data points not only for the video itself, but also produces more content to be received, liked, and disliked, that produces conversations across their page.
I think that it is very interesting and effective that you brought “clout chasers” when discussing the internet hierarchy. This issue has become very prevalent over recent years and it seems as though content creators are willing to risk anything just to obtain the internet stardom, brand deals, and likes they desire so much. In some cases, it has been terrifying to witness some influencers get so caught up in creating the most “captivating” content that they are willing to put their lives in danger and risk getting seriously injured.
Absolutely LOVE this example. The idea behind the “clout” is so interesting to me. People who want it will, as you said, do anything for it. They use crazy thumbnails and titles to really grab the person’s attention. It can put the wrong ideas into people’s heads and could end dangerously. For example, David Dobrik has been known for doing crazy things with his friends and posting it to Youtube. There have definitely been many people who have done things for “clout” just because he did it, and vice versa. He’s gotten ideas from other people before to do these crazy stunts.
The framing of those trying to achieving fame over the internet as being seen as selfish “clout chasers” is an interesting one when viewed through the lens of a more traditional network. By this I mean those who “clout chase”, are in many way not dissimilar to someone in a traditional business network attempting to gain clout in the business world by connecting with more powerful and successful members in their field. However, people who network in this way seem to be seen in a much more positive light than the clout chasers you describe. It makes me wonder what exactly it is about “clout chasing” that has people view it in such a negative light when in theory such clout chasing is occurs often in networks. Perhaps part of this difference is due to the fact that clout chasers often make their plays for power in the more public light of the internet and social media.
This example really got folks responding. Thanks for providing a concrete reference!