Kim Kardashian is said to consider her love affair with Kanye West "a strategic move".
The reality TV star is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce with Kris Humphries after she ended their 72-day marriage last year.
Kim and rapper Kanye have been publicly dating since April.
Sources claim that their romance is driven primarily by Kim's desire to be famous.
"She lost so much popularity after she and Kris Humphries announced their divorce, and she was terrified of losing her brand and losing her fame," a source told the American edition of OK! magazine.
"Hooking up with Kanye was partially a strategic move, and she imagined that they would instantly be on the cover of every magazine for the next year. And at first, that's exactly what happened. But now, nobody really cares."
Kim reportedly doesn't want to be a nobody.
"She's totally addicted to being famous and can't stand the thought of just becoming some has-been," the source said.