Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of ordinary individuals gaining fame by resembling celebrities, such as the recent rise of Lin Xiaotang, highlights the evolving dynamics of social media and celebrity culture in the internet age [1][2][6] Group 1: Rise of Celebrity Lookalikes - Lin Xiaotang, who resembles the star Liu Yifei, gained significant attention on social media, amassing over 360,000 followers and achieving a maximum of 370,000 likes on a single video [1] - The trend of individuals resembling celebrities is not new, with historical examples including impersonators of the Four Heavenly Kings, such as Qiao Haihua and Peng Zihai, who gained fame through talent shows [2][4] - The development of television and later the internet has facilitated the rise of lookalikes, allowing them to enter the public eye through various platforms [6][12] Group 2: Mechanisms Behind Fame - The internet has increased the frequency of ordinary individuals becoming famous by resembling celebrities, with examples like "Zhou Bian Lun," who gained popularity for looking like Jay Chou and now runs a successful business [6][12] - There are two categories of celebrity lookalikes: those with natural resemblance and those who achieve a similar look through makeup and styling [15] - The "celebrity face" phenomenon is driven by the "beauty economy," "imitation economy," and social media algorithms that promote content based on resemblance to well-known figures [16] Group 3: Risks and Controversies - The rise of "knockoff" celebrities poses risks, including potential legal issues related to copyright and trademark infringement, as seen in cases involving the "ESO" boy band and other imitators [17][20] - The distinction between traditional media and social media is crucial, as the latter often lacks the same level of scrutiny and quality control, leading to a higher risk of controversy [17][20] - The need for brands to exercise caution when collaborating with lookalikes is emphasized, as the potential for negative backlash exists due to the nature of "knockoff" culture [17][20]

Group 1 - The article discusses the rise and legal challenges faced by the internet comedy duo "Sichuan Fanta," who gained popularity through their exaggerated impersonations of singer Yang Kun [1][3][5] - Following a lawsuit from Yang Kun for copyright infringement, Sichuan Fanta publicly apologized and stated they would cease creating content related to him, yet they resumed live streaming shortly after [1][8] - The duo's live stream attracted over 100,000 viewers, but their performance was cut short due to a violation of their own promise not to imitate Yang Kun [1][5] Group 2 - Sichuan Fanta's content primarily involves humorous exaggerations of Yang Kun's characteristics, which has led to a significant increase in their fan base from 300,000 to over 1.7 million in a short period [5][9] - The duo's parody of Yang Kun's song "Mud" transformed its original lyrics into a comedic version, showcasing their unique style of humor [3][6] - The legal dispute highlights the ongoing debate about the boundaries of celebrity impersonation and the rights of public figures in the digital age [10][12] Group 3 - The article reflects on the broader context of celebrity impersonation in China, noting that it has evolved from a niche skill to a mainstream entertainment form, particularly in rural areas [13][14] - The rise of short video platforms has changed the dynamics between impersonators and original celebrities, often leading to a reversal of power where impersonators gain more visibility and influence [15][16] - The phenomenon illustrates a cultural shift where the demand for entertainment and celebrity culture in lower-tier cities drives the popularity of impersonators, creating a unique economic ecosystem [14][15]