As a Swiftie, I am obviously deeply intrigued by the rumors about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. However, there has been a sense of uncomfortability rising in media coverage of the pair that represents the media’s tendency to be over-involved in romantic relationships, even though they are inherently private.
When the coverage first started during the Chiefs v. Bears game, it seemed all in good fun. When two big-name celebrities are rumored to be together, videos, photos and articles are destined to be published.
However, the relationship took a more serious turn when the families began to get involved and the alleged relationship was unofficially confirmed. Many flocked to social media to share their thoughts on the new couple, which has warranted just as much negative feedback as positive.
Consistent NFL viewers have shared their opinions about Swift’s screen time during their beloved programming. Just the same, Swifties have shared negative thoughts about Kelce. This is the way that social media works, but getting involved with something as personal as a romantic relationship can have negative effects.
Social media is a documentation of our lives. The two often take to social media to share major parts of their lives, which soon may include each other. While they are experienced in the famous sector of the population, seeing interviews or theories about their relationship has the potential to cause issues and insecurities.
The best example of this is an interview with Donna Kelce in which she seems uninterested in the topic of Swift. While we’ve all seen the heartwarming photos of them together and heard the nice things she has said, her attitude during the interview testifies to the media doing too much coverage. The two of them attending Kelce’s game is perfectly normal, but his mom being asked on television for her thoughts on her son’s new girlfriend is understandably uncomfortable. It would also be uncomfortable for Swift to deal with the allegations of turmoil between her and Donna Kelce while the two of them are the only ones who know their relationship with each other.
It is often forgotten that celebrities are human – an issue easy to sympathize with. Ordinary people would be overwhelmed in their own love life because of it going viral on social media, so why are we so quick to involve ourselves in others’ relationships simply because they are “used to it?”
I, however, am guilty of this. It’s difficult to differentiate what celebrities may find harmful and overwhelming and what they won’t even view because it is harmless gossip among fans. However, public commentary in the beginning stages of a relationship can easily cause drama.
Just as I am a Swiftie, I am a journalist. It is impressive these reporters can delve completely into another couple’s love life to the point where fans know behind-the-scenes details. Unfortunately, the media has already over-involved itself in the relationship as it tends to do. We’re all just in our honeymoon phase with the idea of Kelce and Swift, but hopefully, it doesn’t result in harm for the seemingly happy all-star couple.
Layne Rey is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
