Many witnessed their journey on X Factor, their rise to fame as a boy band, and their spectacular performances in arenas around the globe. For those in Gen Z and millennials who grew up with One Direction, the loss of singer Liam Payne hits particularly hard.
Even those who weren’t die-hard “Directioners” are feeling the profound shock of Payne’s death, marking a significant collective loss for our generation.
Social media has been flooded with expressions of sorrow. One user tweeted, “Most of us are shocked about Liam Payne’s death because he was part of our teenage years that we couldn’t imagine life without. Iâm literally at a loss for words right now. Itâs surreal.”
Another fan shared, “Iâm in disbelief and had to pause my work meeting because I felt like crying. Wow. My 12-year-old self is completely heartbroken.”
Understanding ‘collective grief’
The death of a celebrity can evoke personal feelings, even if one has never interacted with them. While grief is a personal journey, experts note that collective or public grief is a genuine experience, often intensified when news of a public figure’s passing is unexpected and shared widely on social platforms.
“Experiencing sudden loss can lead to feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, and sometimes denial,” emphasizes Shavonne Moore-Lobban, a licensed psychologist, in a previous conversation with YSL News. “The abruptness of the loss can be overwhelming and hard to accept right away.”
Many also form parasocial relationships with celebrities, a phenomenon tied to fan culture, which can make a public figure’s demise feel even more poignant.
One Direction’s rise coincided with the explosion of social media, allowing fans unprecedented access to the band. This available connection made the five members feel like integral parts of fans’ lives. Whether rewatching interviews on YouTube or delving into their Twitter feeds, fans felt like they spent extensive time “with” and fixated on Payne and his bandmates.
“It’s interesting to recognize that we can genuinely grieve individuals we’ve never met,” states David Kessler, a grief expert and the founder of Grief.com, previously noted to YSL News. “Though our grief may not resemble that of a spouse or someone closer, it is still valid.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, confusion, or grief, remember help is available. You can reach out by calling or texting 988 or contacting the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
