Why calling something a "hidden gem" can end up destroying its charm

The expression "hidden gem" is often used to recommend little-known films, records, books or artists. However, some critics argue that this label may end up producing exactly the opposite effect to that desired. The logic is simple: the moment thousands of people start calling a work a "hidden gem", it stops being hidden. The phenomenon has become even more evident in the age of social media and streaming services, where recommendations can transform obscure works into global hits in a matter of days. Several independent artists have already gone through this experience. Works initially appreciated by small groups end up receiving enormous attention after going viral on the internet. While this may benefit creators financially, some fans feel that part of the work's original identity is lost when it becomes mass consumed. The discussion does not necessarily involve elitism, but rather the way people value the feeling of personal discovery. In many cases, the pleasure of encountering something unknown is as much a part of the experience as the work itself.