The present online survey study (Amazon’s MTurk; n = 371) investigated links between three different social self-concepts (the need to belong, narcissism, and relatedness) and the appeal of fame. We examined fame attitudes using a newly-devised fame appeal scale (yielding three factors: Visibility, Status and Prosocial), as well as with two items probing frequency of fame fantasizing and perceived realism of becoming famous. Results show that higher belongingness needs were associated with increased appeal of all three fame factors, as well as increased frequency of fantasizing about fame (accounting for age and gender). Narcissism was associated with increased appeal of Visibility and Status, more time spent engaged in fame fantasy, and greater perceived realism of future fame. Finally, Relatedness predicted increased appeal of the Prosocial fame factor only. Findings illuminate the socioemotional underpinnings of fame appeal and the individual differences that may render certain aspects of fame particularly alluring.
We are not only gregarious animals, liking to be in sight of our fellows, but we have an innate propensity to get ourselves noticed, and noticed favorably, by our kind (James, 1893, p. 179).
The present media landscape is increasingly saturated with images of fame and celebrity. From television to magazines to websites and blogs, we are chronically confronted with other people’s glamorous lifestyles, wardrobes, romantic partners and success stories. Further, we are living in a cultural moment in which ostensibly anyone can achieve sudden fame via the latest reality television show or YouTube.com video (or via celebrity scent osmosis with Lady Gaga’s perfume: Fame). While the allure of fame is certainly not a new phenomenon, the ubiquity and perceived accessibility of fame seems to be at an all time high. Thus, it seems prudent to empirically interrogate why fame may be appealing and for whom. The present study investigates trends in views of self in concert with views of fame in an adult sample.
Specifically, we explore three constructs that tap individuals’ sense of self in relation to others: the extent to which individuals are preoccupied with inclusion (i.e., the Need to Belong, Leary, Kelly, Cottrell, & Schreindorfer, 2005); the extent to which individuals feel superior to others (Narcissism, Konrath, Meier, & Bushman, 2013); and, the extent to which individuals feel securely connected to others (i.e., the Relatedness subscale of Deci & Ryan’s, 2000, Basic Psychological Needs scale). We reasoned that these constructs captured three distinct if related views of self in a social context, which would help clarify social psychological motivations for fame. A desire to fit in, a belief in self-importance, and a sense of positive social connection might each be linked to a greater or less extent with particular appeals of fame. We examine the latter via a newly-devised scale that incorporates various motives–from being recognized, to being wealthy, to having the ability to help others.
