Remembering Zyzz: Distributed Memories on Distributed Networks

Abstract

Aziz Sergeyevich Shavershian, better known as ‘Zyzz’, died in 2011 at the age of 22 from a heart attack in a Bangkok sauna. Zyzz was a well- known figure among amateur bodybuilders — a subculture which seeks to achieve the ‘aesthetics’ of a highly muscular physique. Prior to his death, Zyzz had become a minor internet celebrity, actively self-promoting through social media to create a personal brand. He had a Facebook following of more than 60,000 ‘fans’ and regularly posted videos of himself on YouTube. Following his death, however, coverage of Zyzz exploded, with both social and traditional media discussing his death, his status as a role model and celebrity, and the growing use of steroids among amateur bodybuilders.