spectaclehave

Spectaclehave is a neologism used in some strands of media theory and internet discourse to describe the practice of creating, curating, or cultivating public spectacles in order to attract attention, influence perception, or achieve strategic aims. The term combines spectacle with have, signaling ownership or control over the spectacle rather than passive consumption.

Etymology and usage of the term are informal and not standardized. It appeared in online commentary in the early 2020s, with writers noting how organizations, influencers, and political actors “have a spectacle” to maximize reach or shape discourse. As a concept, spectaclehave is used to analyze the incentives and mechanisms that drive the production of attention-grabbing events and online campaigns.

In practice, spectaclehave refers to deliberate, often orchestrated events—live streams, staged performances, or large-scale campaigns—that are designed to generate visibility, persuasion, or cultural momentum. The concept is applied across contexts such as corporate public relations, political theater, or grassroots activism when the spectacle is a central strategic asset. Proponents use the term to discuss how modern media ecosystems reward attention and how control over the spectacle can translate into influence or power.

Critics argue that spectaclehave can be tautological or overly broad, risking conflation of presentation with substance. Some caution against overemphasizing performativity at the expense of evaluating underlying content or policy. See also: public spectacle, performativity, virality, influencer marketing, media ecology.