[sydney6]

Why are so many people calling Elon Musk by his first name, like he's their buddy or neighbor? This reminds me when Steve Jobs had passed away, many people were walking the streets with candles and cards in memoriam of "Steve". How come?

[adam_arthur]

Probably because it's a unique enough name to not introduce ambiguity.

Nobody can just say Steve or Bill without confusing people

[PebblesRox]

Plus Musk is kind of a weird word.

[pjc50]

Celebrities induce parasocial relationships. None of those come close to the response to the death of Diana.

[sydney6]

Thank's for your response.. what an immensely interesting [1] topic.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasocial_interaction

[narag]

That's a measure of fame.

When nobody knows you, they use the complete name, Elon Musk.

When you're famous, they drop the given name, you're Musk.

When you're ultrafamous, they only use the given name, now you're Elon.

[mmplxx]

And when you're God, they cannot utter your name.