In response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a new form of protest has emerged in cyberspace, sparked by growing dissatisfaction with celebrities perceived as indifferent or supportive of the violence. Dubbed “Blockout 2024,” “celebrity block list,” or “digitine,” this movement gained traction following events like the Met Gala on May 6. The premise is simple: participants are encouraged to block famous figures across various social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok.
By doing so, they aim to send a powerful message of disapproval and solidarity with the Palestinian people, holding celebrities accountable for their perceived insensitivity or support regarding the conflict.
The Blockout movement was ignited by the 2024 Met Gala held in New York on May 6. Social media users expressed frustration upon seeing images of lavishly dressed celebrities from the annual fundraiser. Many criticized these celebrities for their silence on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s intense bombing campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 individuals, predominantly women and children.
The lack of online statements or acknowledgment of the situation by these celebrities added fuel to the growing discontent, prompting calls for action within the Blockout movement.
How Does It Work?
Experts argue that blocking celebrities on social media is a more effective form of protest compared to simply unfollowing them. According to Eddy Borges-Rey, an associate professor at Northwestern University in Qatar who studies social media and algorithms, celebrities rely heavily on high visibility and engagement to secure advertising deals. When someone unfollows a celebrity, they may stop seeing their posts in their feed, but the content can still appear indirectly through algorithm-driven feeds like Instagram Explore or TikTok’s “For You” page.
However, blocking a celebrity cuts off all interaction with their content, significantly reducing their audience size. As more people block a celebrity, their posts become less visible across the platform, even to those who haven’t blocked them. This reduction in visibility can lead advertisers to perceive the celebrity as less valuable, potentially reducing the amount they’re willing to pay for ads on their profile, thus directly impacting their ad revenue.
Which Celebrities Have Made It To The List?
The grand list of celebrity blocklist consists of popular names such as Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Khloe Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Zac Efron, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Justin Timberlake and many others
Are you part of the Blockout 2024 movement? Drop us a comment on your take on this new form of protest!
