Think back. Before Youtube allowed you to ‘broadcast yourself’ and ‘friending’ or ‘following’ were household terms. Even before Myspace and the endless kaleidoscope of social networking and social media outlets at our fingertips (blogs, social bookmarking) became the norm, the divide between the celebrity and the commoner was almost un-crossable. Besides the occasional sweepstakes won and chance meeting on the street, the interaction between the celebrity and commoner was often left to professional encounters (paid public appearances, concerts, and the like).

However, with the advent and subsequent popularization of social networking, websites like (what was) Myspace and Facebook have helped blur that line, making celebrities all-the-more accessible to their adoring fans. And time has shown that no outlet has better proven the beclouding of the barrier than Twitter. Easily the most popular social networking site amongst celebs, the site is a testament to celebrity ‘outreach’, demoting celebs from their ‘demi-god’ statuses and, to great degree, humanizing them. Giving glimpses into what once were mysterious private lives.

On a note separate from fan interactions, Twitter’s ability to give the un- or under- promoted artist a chance to take matters into his or her own hands, separate from record labels or official websites, has also proven itself to be a benefit.

But, every good thing comes with a price and it is no exception.

Twitter has shown us the good, bad, and ugly of many of our favorite celebrities. Ask Rihanna, 50 Cent, Keri Hilson, Trina and other Urban pop stars and they’ll tell you the power of the almighty tweet – and the backlash it can ensue when an altercation arises or a joke goes too far. And then there’s poster-child for Tweet-misuse, Chris Brown. Rarely have two weeks gone by this year without having a negative headline and the keywords ‘Twitter’ or ‘tweet’ somewhere near his name. From e-altercations with fans and other celebs alike, Brown has become the reigning representative of what happens ‘when tweets go wrong’.

So it begs the question: While the benefits of marketing and PR are endless on the social media front, does Twitter cause the demystification of the “celebrity” – thereby making them unappealing?

In simpler terms, That Grape Juice wants to know…

T.M.I.(Too much information?): is Twitter ruining the Pop star?http://thatgrapejuice.net/2011/08/tmi-twitter-ruining-pop-star-2/

Well, it's taking the mystery out of being a star when you can read their 'tweets' along with the myriad of other 15-minute-of-famers that are tweeting away as well. I think there's just too many pseudo-celebrities these days.

Most real pop stars (like PRINCE) don't use Twitter so no. And most of them who do, they'd probably fade away anyway...

Twitter (and social networking in general) is ruining everybody, not just stars. They're just the most public examples of this type of thing.

"Good luck with booking that stage you speak of."

PFFFT! The sad thing is that it's true.

Actually Pop stars are ruining Pop stars.

Very little talent and even less discretion.

I think this age of technology and the internet have made celebrities too accessible and regular. I like my stars to have some mystery. Before, you had people like MJ, Prince, Madonna,etc. who seemed like real superstars and seemed untouchable. Things were much more exciting back then. Nowadays, you have idiotic pop starts posting nonsense on twitter every 5 mins. There's not much mystery or excitement left with most of today's pop stars. Most of them bore me really, but I don't know if I can blame that soley on the internet.

Cinnamon234 said:

I think this age of technology and the internet have made celebrities too accessible and regular. I like my stars to have some mystery. Before, you had people like MJ, Prince, Madonna,etc. who seemed like real superstars and seemed untouchable. Things were much more exciting back then. Nowadays, you have idiotic pop starts posting nonsense on twitter every 5 mins. There's not much mystery or excitement left with most of today's pop stars. Most of them bore me really, but I don't know if I can blame that soley on the internet.

"Pop stars" come and go. The age of the "Superstar" is pretty much dead. Artists just aren't built for long-term success these days. No one is telling these "pop stars" to tweet their stupid thoughts for the world to see.

Cinnamon234 said:

I think this age of technology and the internet have made celebrities too accessible and regular. I like my stars to have some mystery. Before, you had people like MJ, Prince, Madonna,etc. who seemed like real superstars and seemed untouchable. Things were much more exciting back then. Nowadays, you have idiotic pop starts posting nonsense on twitter every 5 mins. There's not much mystery or excitement left with most of today's pop stars. Most of them bore me really, but I don't know if I can blame that soley on the internet.

These days, people seem to want stars they can identify with, and how many people could REALLY identify with Prince, MJ, or Madge?

mjscarousal said:

Cinnamon234 said:

I think this age of technology and the internet have made celebrities too accessible and regular. I like my stars to have some mystery. Before, you had people like MJ, Prince, Madonna,etc. who seemed like real superstars and seemed untouchable. Things were much more exciting back then. Nowadays, you have idiotic pop starts posting nonsense on twitter every 5 mins. There's not much mystery or excitement left with most of today's pop stars. Most of them bore me really, but I don't know if I can blame that soley on the internet.

I agree. Alot of these stars today just really have no class and really have not been trained how to act in public. I dont know what is soo cute about fighting with another star over a social network site publicly knowing the whole world can see it. You making millions of dollars and fighting over twitter its fuckin stupid

O'h man Ive had many a debate on this topic...who hasn't? The whole facebook twitter thang ive decided is just not for me although I do see the value. The accessible connections you can make with people is truly amazing. The whole "stars" using it as a voice or for anybody for that matter is waaay out of control. Less is definitely more!!!! Which people, especially of this generation, just don't get.

[Edited 8/4/11 10:39am]

Graycap23 said:

Actually Pop stars are ruining Pop stars.

Very little talent and even less discretion.

You literally took the words right out of my mouth.

What they're supposed to be known for (music?) is marginal and what they have to say outside of that is generally sophmoric at best.

If digging ditches was the quickest perceived path to becoming a celebrity (which appears to really be the end goal for a lot of these types) instead of the music business, i'd have healthy investments in quite a few shovel manufacturers.

Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

I agree with Gray that pop stars indeed ruined themselves.

I get that in this day and age Facebook and Twitter serve as mediums for promotion but nobody is forcing them to spew all the other uneccessary nonsense they do online...they do it themselves. It's like their brains leave them when the use these mediums... and then they delete after they say something stupid...Too late. Once you've put it out there...It's out there.

Mariah's tweets have been alright, but it did take away from me being excited about her upcoming projects. I knew everything she was doing before it happened. I do like Sheila E's and Chaka's...since the media doesnt talk about them often...I can catch up by following their tweets. Often they post videos of a performance they liked.

No.

theAudience said:

Graycap23 said:

Actually Pop stars are ruining Pop stars.

Very little talent and even less discretion.

You literally took the words right out of my mouth.

What they're supposed to be known for (music?) is marginal and what they have to say outside of that is generally sophmoric at best.

If digging ditches was the quickest perceived path to becoming a celebrity (which appears to really be the end goal for a lot of these types) instead of the music business, i'd have healthy investments in quite a few shovel manufacturers.

Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

Exactly. Ain't no social site destroying shit.

guitarslinger44 said:

Cinnamon234 said:

I think this age of technology and the internet have made celebrities too accessible and regular. I like my stars to have some mystery. Before, you had people like MJ, Prince, Madonna,etc. who seemed like real superstars and seemed untouchable. Things were much more exciting back then. Nowadays, you have idiotic pop starts posting nonsense on twitter every 5 mins. There's not much mystery or excitement left with most of today's pop stars. Most of them bore me really, but I don't know if I can blame that soley on the internet.

These days, people seem to want stars they can identify with, and how many people could REALLY identify with Prince, MJ, or Madge?

Speak for yourself.