The 15 Minutes of Fame Theory

The "15 Minutes of Fame" theory suggests that, historically, individuals who gained sudden notoriety or attention, often through media, would experience a brief period of recognition—roughly 15 minutes—before fading back into obscurity. Coined by artist Andy Warhol, this idea reflects how modern society often elevates people to temporary fame for their fleeting moments in the spotlight, highlighting the transient nature of recognition in the age of mass media. It emphasizes that such fame is usually short-lived, and initial attention doesn’t guarantee lasting significance.