When Selfies Became the New Autographs

Selfies became a global phenomenon with the advent of smartphones and social media platforms in the early 2000s. They gained immense popularity around 2010 with the widespread use of front-facing cameras and apps like Instagram. Before selfies, autographs were the prized mementos for fans meeting celebrities.

However, some stars remain elusive, making both selfies and autographs rare. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Prince (when he was alive), and Daniel Day-Lewis are known for avoiding fan interactions. At a recent event, a guest, feeling confident, convinced a young woman he was famous and posed for a selfie. She’ll likely be puzzled about his identity for years to come.