Media for Work, but Not for Life: Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran's release of 'Subtract' has made him actively present on various social media platforms, but in 2015 and again in 2019, he shut down his presence on these platforms due to his mental health and personal hardships.
Since the start of the "Mathematics Tour" his Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have been a place where he shared updates about his music, personal life, and other aspects of his career. He often uses these as a way to connect with his fans and promote his latest projects. He has made it clear to the media that he does not like social media, as it can be an unhealthy space when used incorrectly.
Ed Sheeran has been known for his authentic and personal approach to social media. He often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life, studio sessions, and travels. He engages with his fans through these platforms, responding to comments and creating a sense of direct communication with his audience. He has been an advocate for his fans knowing who he is as a person, and not creating a persona on the internet. His songwriting is very personal, he strives to write songs that anyone could relate to. Many other famous musicians in this generation present themself more as a brand to be sold than as humans, and Ed Sheeran has challenged the narrative that one does not have to conform to these ideas to have a successful career in music.
At the beginning of 2023, Ed posted a video exclaiming that he decided to remove himself from social media because, "I've had some turbulent things going on in my personal life so I just didn't really feel like being online and pretending to be something I'm not, when I wasn't feeling like that," he said. "And I know that sounds weird" (Sheeran, People Magazine, 2023). Sheeran has made it clear to his fan base that he does not intend to be fake and will put his needs as a human being before his career. Many fans often forget that people they see as idols, public figures, and famous individuals, have feelings, and shortcomings just like anyone else. Just because they are 'big' does not mean they are invulnerable to the hard parts of life.
News reports tracking Sheeran and his career have made it apparent to be up to date on his choices, and actions. Recently Ed Sheeran had spoken about the tumor his wife had while she was pregnant with their second daughter, and also the loss of his dear friend Jamal Edwards. In this same time frame of events the media has kept aware of the law suit that had been filed against Ed for his song “Thinking out Loud” to be a issue of copyright, claimed to be infringement on Marvin Gaye’s, “Lets Get It On,” which has drastic effects on not only Ed’s career but personal life as well.
Next we shall discuss this trial, the results, and how it will affect future singer-songwriters, but also set a example for them in their careers.
Referenced Sources:
Moore, Julia. “Ed Sheeran Says ‘turbulent Things’ in His Personal Life Spurred Recent Instagram Break.” Peoplemag, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2023, people.com/music/ed-sheeran-back-on-instagram-after-turbulent-things-in-personal-life/.
Ed Sheeran, Google Search
