Part 9/11:

Commentators note that modern culture has become obsessed with contrived authenticity because genuine transparency is hard to attain in the celebrity economy. To succeed online today, influencers often need to embrace "cringe" and self-deprecation, even if they are inherently distant from everyday life.

The Irony of Competition and the Rise of "Cringe" Content

Despite the veneer of simplicity, the rivalry and social posturing often seem shallow, with insiders arguing that both sides—celebrity allies and detractors—are caught in a cycle of performative one-upmanship. The desire to appear "down-to-earth" often translates into staged authenticity, leading many to view celebrity social media as less genuine and more a theatrical act.