"gossip girl", an american television series airing between september 2007 and december 2012, focuses on the lives of new york city socialites who live on manhattan's upper east side. the show is a strong influence on how socialites are regarded in the 21st century because of the presence of scandal, wealth, and fashion in each episode. pop culture gives the impression that by simply being wealthy and fashionable, an individual has the opportunity to become famous. consequently, it is an individual's ability to climb the social ladder due to his or her wealth and recognition that makes him or her a socialite.