In the digital age, social media platforms have become a powerful tool for activism. A new trend called the ‘blackout’ is gaining momentum, where users block celebrities on social media to protest their silence or inadequate response to humanitarian crises. Recently, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt found herself on this list.
Understanding The ‘Blockout’
The ‘blockout’ is a form of digital protest where social media users block certain celebrities on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The aim is to pressure these celebrities to take a stand on pressing humanitarian issues. Users share posts about the celebrities they’ve blocked using hashtags like #blockout, #blockout2024, or #celebrityblockout.
Alia Bhatt And The ‘Blockout’
A prominent Bollywood actress, Alia Bhatt, was recently added to the ‘blackout’ list. This came after her appearances at high-profile fashion events like the Met Gala and the Gucci Cruise Show.
Critics accused her of being ‘complicit’ for her silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and not using her platform to drive attention towards the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Impact Of The ‘Blockout’
The ‘blockout’ is a powerful tool as it directly affects the reach and influence of celebrities on social media. By blocking the accounts of celebrities, users prevent any content from these celebrities from appearing on their feeds. This can significantly reduce the celebrities’ follower count and engagement rates, impacting their social media presence.
Not only Alia, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Zac Efron, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Justin Timberlake, and many more well-known names are featured on the celebrity blocklist.
The Larger Implication
The ‘blockout’ trend underscores the power of social media as a platform for activism. It serves as a reminder to celebrities about their social responsibilities and the influence they wield. It also highlights the changing dynamics of celebrity-fan relationships in the digital age, where fans demand more accountability from their idols.