Celebrity gossip: the online obsession

Social media turns celebrity worship from interest to pastime.

The celebrity gossip industry now exceeds a revenue of $3 billion a year, as new entertainment sites emerge daily. Social media has helped the celebrity worship culture turn from merely an interest to an obsession.

Those in the entertainment world have become masters of public self-promotion online and offline. But how much do celebrities and gossip sites collaborate? We look at the popularity of the online gossip and entertainment industry and what impact it is having on society.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to Fred Mwangaguhunga (@Fred_MTO), CEO and founder of Media Takeout; David Perel (@radar_online), managing editor of Radar Online; and James Houran, a celebrity psychologist.

What do you think? What impact is the online entertainment world having on society? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

Here are some elements from around the web:

View the story "Celebrity gossip: the online obsession" on StorifyCelebrity gossip: the online obsessionSocial media turns celebrity worship from interest to pastime.Storified by The Stream · Tue, Mar 06 2012 12:05:20The celebrity gossip and entertainment industry has ballooned into a $3 billion per year business. Radar Online, one of the leading American entertainment and gossip websites, publishes an average of 30 gossip pieces per day. The most popular gossip websites, including Yahoo! omg!, People, and TMZ, are estimated to have more than 20 million unique visitors each month. InterviewtacticsAfter the death of world-renowned music artist Whitney Houston was reported, throngs of reporters and paparazzi tracked down her former husband, Bobby Brown, to get a statement. This TMZ video shows a mob of animated reporters awaiting Brown at the Los Angeles International Airport and following him to his car. The website TMZ.com was valued at over $100 million in early 2010.Bobby Brown -- Absolute CHAOS for LAX ArrivaltmzThis video from Hollywood TV shows Rihanna, one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, being bombarded by paparazzi as she tries to get in her car.Rihanna Is Swarmed By Paparazzi at KatsuyahollywoodtvMajor international news networks are also reporting on entertainment and celebrities as headline news. This CNN clip shows a report discussing the viewer ratings of The Voice and American Idol, two popular American reality television shows.CNN: CNN Weekend Shows - Showbiz headlines with Jawn MurraycnnThis video clip shows an anchor discussing Paris Hilton's time in jail on MSNBC, another major US news network.Paris Hilton doesn't need jail - Patrick Wanis PhD - MSNBCpatrickwanisUS news network FOX News also headlines celebrity gossip news on its channel. This video clip shows the anchor discussing "2010 Celebrity Meltdowns."Top 10 Celebrity Meltdowns 2010 - FOX NEWSpatrickwanisSome believe the celebrity gossip culture has distorted the priorities of society. This photo argues that people have become too involved in one celebrity's death, while ignoring the plight of millions of others who are suffering around the world.FbcdnSocial media has provided additional channels for celebrities to market themselves and make themselves more accessible to fans. This list shows the people on Twitter with the most followers as of March and an overwhelming majority of them are celebrities.Flickr

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Celebrity gossip: the online obsession

Celebrity gossip: the online obsession

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