Why Gen-Z Doesn’t Worship Celebrities the Way Millennials Did

For decades, celebrity culture shaped everything from fashion to politics but Gen-Z appears far less starstruck.

Cultural analysts say younger audiences grew up during the decline of cable TV and Hollywood’s once-central influence, leading to a fragmented media landscape with fewer shared icons.

There is also rising mistrust of elites including celebrities fueling skepticism toward fame itself. Viral trends even encourage users to ignore influencers to demonstrate how much power audiences truly hold.

Yet the relationship is complicated. While endorsements still work, many young consumers prioritize authenticity and expect public figures to advocate for meaningful change.

Ironically, Gen-Z can still be highly responsive to digital personalities but often prefers creators who feel relatable rather than untouchable megastars.

The result? Celebrity is no longer automatic authority.

Hollywood may still manufacture icons, but Gen-Z is rewriting the rules of admiration turning fame from unquestioned power into something that must be constantly earned.