NEW YORK — Some social media users are criticizing celebrities for what they consider to be inaction in the face of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza – and have resorted to a “blockade” to pressure the stars to take a stand.
For the block, users blocked viewing any and all content from certain celebrities’ accounts on social media platforms, including X, TikTok, and Instagram. Some posted about the celebrities they blocked, using a hashtag like #blockout, #blockout2024 or #celebrityblockout, while others shared posts from users criticizing attendees of high-glamorous events like the Met Gala and contrasting this with the situation. in Gaza.
Participants in the blockade say it is a protest because celebrities have not spoken out or said enough against Israel’s actions in Gaza during the war with Hamas. Since war broke out on October 7 with deadly Hamas attacks, the Israeli military has killed more than 35,000 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
On social media platforms, users see content from the people they follow, as well as those chosen for them by algorithms. In both cases, users can select options to mute or block a person or account.
Blocking celebrity or influencer accounts means not seeing any content they produce on social media – no posts, no photos or videos, no collaborations with sponsors. The number of people interacting with content generates money, so blocks are intended to affect views, engagement and – ultimately – paychecks.
The block also aims to target celebrity brands, diverting attention from their content.
There is no single, organized list of blocked celebrities. Some users offer celebrity suggestions, while others decide on their own. Celebrities in the US and elsewhere have been cited in the lockdown.
Blocking is up to each social media user. And each celebrity, influencer or content creator must be blocked individually on each platform.
Protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war have grown, with encampments on college campuses across the country. Amid these movements, attention to what celebrities and influencers were and were not saying gained a boost following the Met Gala last week.
The annual party attracts a host of famous faces from the worlds of fashion, film, music, sports and more. It’s known for its over-the-top carpet and the elaborate outfits celebrities wear. This year, the gala was surrounded by protesters for much of the night.
Social media was flooded with images from the star-studded event. Around the same time, images circulated as Israel launched a military operation in the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza. This led some users to draw attention to the contrast between the opulence of the celebrities at the gala and the situation in Gaza – using images of both – and to condemn the celebrities for not using their platforms to speak out for those who are suffering.
The lockdown’s effectiveness and staying power remains to be seen, said Beth Fossen, assistant professor of marketing at Indiana University. It may depend on the celebrity and what they are known for – a famous person whose “brand” is linked to humanitarian causes may be more affected than someone known primarily for their talent, she added.
“If your identity is really tied to promoting something that is central to the boycott, then that could have really serious consequences for you,” Fossen said. “There may be some influencers who gain fame by promoting peace and then remain silent on this issue – followers may not forgive them.”
There has been criticism of the blockade, with some saying that the focus on celebrities distracts from what is happening on the ground in Gaza. Others question what the parameters are for judging whether someone should be blocked – and what would constitute a known person speaking openly or doing enough.
This story originally appeared on ABCNews.go.com read the full story
