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]

Core Viewpoint - The story of Huang Zicheng illustrates the precarious nature of internet fame and the risks associated with the imitation economy, highlighting the need for authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape [2][4]. Group 1: The Rise and Fall of Huang Zicheng - Huang Zicheng gained popularity in 2021 by mimicking celebrity Huang Zitao, quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of followers [2]. - In 2022, his account was suddenly banned, resulting in the loss of 400,000 followers and all his investments, leading to his financial ruin [2][3]. Group 2: The Imitation Economy - The phenomenon of "copycat stars" has become prevalent, with many individuals achieving quick fame through imitation but often facing short-lived success [3]. - Legal experts note that while imitation itself is not illegal, monetizing such behavior can lead to legal issues, and platforms favor original content [3]. Group 3: Survival Rules in the Attention Economy - The entertainment industry is characterized by a high-risk, high-reward environment where many invest everything for fleeting attention [4]. - Successful influencers must differentiate themselves and build a lasting personal brand rather than relying solely on imitation [4]. - Huang Zicheng's experience serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring content creators, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in achieving long-term success [4].