Online world needs exemplary artists
In recent years, irrational behavior of celebrity fans has shocked the nation. The fans voluntarily spend their time and money on making their idols as popular and influential as possible, such as sharing their idols' information and manipulating social media comments. They even use bots to increase traffic data related to their idols, dox and troll rival groups, and make up topics online to hijack public opinion. Regardless of moral baseline and legal provisions, these fans try to embellish their idols' scandals or even criminal act, and post bad comments on social media.
With the aim to better manage celebrity fan circles and put out of control fan culture back on the right track, the Cyberspace Administration of China, China's central internet watchdog, launched a monthslong campaign in June to rectify the internet and entertainment sector. On August 27, the CAC published a notice with 10 requirements to further crack down on the "chaotic" celebrity fan culture.
With the continuous improvement of people's material and cultural living standards, the people need better literary and artistic works as well as competent artists or qualified idols. In a broad sense, "idol" can be a person who is greatly admired, loved, or revered. In a narrow sense, everyone has different definitions and standards for idols who may come from all walks of life, but qualified and excellent idols must have some common characteristics. They should be role models that can give people encouragement and confidence and inspire them to move forward.
In the age of internet, the words and deeds of artists in entertainment circle can have a great impact on society, especially on teenagers. Every artist should take his or her social responsibility to establish a good public image and spread positive energy.
In daily work and life, the goal of every artist is to positively pursue both professional excellence and moral integrity, which requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline. The artists should conscientiously observe laws and regulations as well as the code of professional ethics, and not lose themselves in the tide of market economy nor go astray while answering the question of whom to serve. Just remain true to the original aspiration and keep creating works loved by the people.
Meanwhile, an outstanding artist needs to keep learning from the people and constantly improve their cognitive level and professional ability. As everyone knows, all classic literary and artistic works reflect the requirements of the times and aspirations of the people. Therefore, a qualified artist must learn from the people, and learn from Chinese excellent traditional culture and the advanced socialist culture to foster a correct view of culture, history and nationality, thus creating high-quality art works to better meet people's intellectual and cultural needs.
Besides, as public figures, celebrities should conscientiously take social responsibility to guide their fans discuss rationally online and build up correct values. In case of conflict, celebrities must communicate with fans and make public statements in time to positively guide the public opinion. Through the efforts of all parties can we build a healthy and harmonious network environment.
Although the state has taken strict and effective measures to crack down on the "chaotic" celebrity fan culture, it doesn't mean that celebrities cannot be idols. What the people really need is an exemplary artist who can live positively and work diligently to create high-quality art works. It is hoped that celebrities and other parties will work together to further purify the online environment.
The author is a postgraduate student at Shandong University.
The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.
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