Are celebrities bad for you?

What's wrong with enjoying a bit of celebrity gossip? It doesn't do us any harm ... or does it? Read the article to find out if celebrities really are bad for you.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Reading

Are celebrities bad for you?

Celebrities are everywhere nowadays: on TV, in magazines, online. Is this preoccupation with famous people harmless fun or is it bad for us? How many people are truly obsessed with modern media idols? And on the other side of the coin, can fame be harmful to the celebrities?

Studies suggest that the vast majority of teenagers do not really worship celebrities. Researchers have identified three kinds of fans. About 15% of young people have an ‘entertainment-social’ interest. They love chatting about their favourite celebrities with friends and this does not appear to do any harm.

Another 5% feel that they have an ‘intense-personal’ relationship with a celebrity. Sometimes they see them as their soulmate and find that they are often thinking about them, even when they don’t want to. These people are more at risk from depression and anxiety. If girls in this group idolise a female star with a body they consider to be perfect, they are more likely to be unhappy with their own bodies.

That leaves 2% of young people with a ‘borderline-pathological’ interest. They might say, for example, they would spend several thousand pounds on a paper plate the celebrity had used, or that they would do something illegal if the celebrity asked them to. These people are in most danger of being seriously disturbed.

What about the celebrities themselves? A study in the USA tried to measure narcissism or extreme self-centredness, when feelings of worthlessness and invisibility are compensated for by turning into the opposite: excessive showing off. Researchers looked at 200 celebrities, 200 young adults with Masters in Business Administration (a group known for being narcissistic) and a nationally representative sample using the same questionnaire. As was expected, the celebrities were significantly more narcissistic than the MBAs and both groups were a lot more narcissistic than the general population.

Four kinds of celebrity were included in the sample. The most narcissistic were the ones who had become famous through reality TV shows – they scored highest on vanity and willingness to exploit other people. Next came comedians, who scored highest on exhibitionism and feelings of superiority. Then came actors, and the least narcissistic were musicians. One interesting result was that there was no connection between narcissism and the length of time the celebrity had been famous. This means that becoming famous probably did not make the celebrities narcissistic – they already were beforehand.

So, what can we learn from this? People who are very successful or famous tend to be narcissists and are liable to be ruthless, self-seeking workaholics. As we can see from celebrity magazines, they are also often desperate and lonely. They make disastrous role models.

Discussion

Do you agree that celebrities make disastrous role models? Which celebrities do you think are good role models?

Language level
Average: 3.5 (48 votes)
Personal online tutoring
EnglishScore Tutors is the British Council’s one-to-one tutoring platform for 13- to 17-year-olds.

Comments

Submitted by nitouy on Wed, 11/06/2024 - 12:44

idk, i don't really have a idol or enything like that.

Submitted by m3l0d1 on Sat, 07/27/2024 - 11:58

I agree, I don't think celebrities should be role models also because they tend us to spend money on things they spend and they can make us insecure because of comparison.

Profile picture for user Olympiads

Submitted by Olympiads on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 16:08

I think the celebrities are very bad role models for the teens because they distract us from our study.
But for the adults, it may be harmless, because they're grown-up.

Submitted by RAHUL RAHUL on Sat, 04/13/2024 - 09:34

maybe true for some people, but in my country (VietNam) most of celebs are very tanlented and they are good role models

Submitted by Lio Messi on Sat, 04/13/2024 - 09:24

Celebrities are attract us whenever I watch Film or TV. But some celebrities ridiculous. They wants to make media attention from what they do Some celebrities over rated like in the weekend's song 'Popular' they do some kinds of crazy things to be popular ,because that's their dream to popular

Submitted by @_abituryent_022 on Wed, 10/25/2023 - 11:20

I´m not really interested on celebrities

Submitted by andree on Tue, 10/03/2023 - 09:34

I think that when we idolize someone we should distinguish the line between obsession and admiration. In other words, If you admire your idols for their achievement or their great vision, it will be a good motivation to learn from them to help you become successful in your life. On the contrary, If you are overly obsessed and crazy for your idols, it will be a mental health concern.

Submitted by pomelo on Fri, 04/07/2023 - 14:20

idk, celebrities have many genres that can be either good or bad

Submitted by Tsutsuna on Sat, 12/10/2022 - 11:31

Personally, I believe that is fool to consider celebrities role models. They are human and with a lot of imperfections that they don't show on the stage. Their public image is no more no less than a fairytale, they role a character, sol at this point, is the same if you choose as role model a celebrity or Santa Clause.

Profile picture for user Freshka

Submitted by Freshka on Wed, 08/24/2022 - 08:50

"Do you agree that celebrities make disastrous role models?" I'm behind. Of course, celebrities make disastrous role models, but not everyone. You have to be very careful with who you like or admire. No one is perfect! If you see a person who you follow on social media and you think he is perfect, judging by only one photo, it makes no sense at all! Celebrities also have worries. They cry and do things like that. If they have a bad day, they don't usually take photos. I reckon, that having a role model is very important, but we must keep a fresh mind and strike a balance in everything we do. Some young people try to imitate their idols 100%. It could be very distracted and harmful.

Submitted by kookoo on Thu, 06/30/2022 - 15:23

In some cases, celebrities are not always bad. In this comment, I'd like to share my idol, BTS- the versatile boy band from Korea. They taught me how to love myself, become a unique version, and always be positive in life. They are not only talented idols but also good models for us to follow and study. I always respect and look up to their achievements and musical products.

Submitted by Edaa on Wed, 06/08/2022 - 06:29

yes everyone got my madison beer;))

Submitted by 10AN615 on Wed, 06/08/2022 - 04:14

good role models and nonexistent, every celebrity is different and depends on the celebrity's personality.

Submitted by aycauzz1 on Mon, 06/06/2022 - 16:43

I think there are celebrities who are good role models. Selena Gomez and Blackpink Lisa... My role models
Profile picture for user Capixt

Submitted by Capixt on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 16:01

In my opinion, celebrities are good role models, because the fight to reach their goals. Like fans we have to know that they are humans too and we are not perfect, the have good and bad thing like every body, so it´s in us choose what we want to imitate from them... In my experiense singers are fat inspiration for me, beacuse whatching their lifes I knwo that the road is not easy but I have to keep fighting and if them can I can too.

Submitted by la_primavera22 on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 06:28

there's a celebrity who I consider to be my soulmate because I get so many warm feelings from her songs...I also see a beautiful and kind woman in her (she's Lara Fabian), and I strongly disagree with the point of view that there're any bad consequences of such love. but it really depends on a concrete celebrity. Of course, not all of them are good models for following and idolising.

Submitted by dhadzikadunic on Wed, 12/08/2021 - 21:58

I think that there are celebrities who are good role models and others who are not. It really depends on personality.

Submitted by Hollicannoli on Mon, 11/08/2021 - 06:43

I believe that every celebrity is different. We choose the celebrity that we have something to learn from, which has talent and personality. For example, there are lots of celebrity who is very kind hearted for helping people who need helps. Such as Ariana Grande and Salena Gomez. At the moment they are helping people to get through this coronavirus pandemic, by sending amounts of money and many others they’ve done since their career started. So we can obviously observe that we have something to learn from them. No matter what bad things they have done in life, there are no humans with no mistakes on this planet

Submitted by nora503 on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 21:55

I believe that every celebrity is different. Of course there are some that have really been changed by fame and money. There are others whose character stayed the same after their success. Also there are celebrities that for example make a donation to a charity but film the whole thing so people will know that they did it and assume that they are a kind and loving person but they just do it for the fame. Others just do the donation without anybody actually knowing it was them. Everyone is different and not always who they seem.

Submitted by Chau_Anh on Sat, 08/14/2021 - 08:40

This is a very important problem theses days. The text show us that celebrities are not always good, everything always have two sides. There are a lot of good celebrities but there are also the bad one. We should know how to discriminated them and choose the good one

Submitted by YellowCat on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 15:38

I don't think having a role model as an actor/actress or a musician is a bad thing because these people are doing their jobs successfully or not like normal people but being on screen make them a celebrity. If they make their jobs well, it is not a bad thing to like them. However some people work as a celebrity and impress lots of people from children to adults, so it is important to understand who is a worthless celebrity or a good musician.

Submitted by strawberry123_ on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 09:16

I don`t think that all celebrities make disastrous role models, but most part of them do. A lot of celebrities behave themselves in bad way, but there are some, who are really good role models and who are worth emulating
Profile picture for user Kostantinus

Submitted by Kostantinus on Sat, 02/27/2021 - 08:41

I didn't make a research in this area myself, but I think the author partially right. Yes, there is a bad influence some celebraties on some children, but it depends on children and their parents. Children with lack of parents' attention tend to find a joy in worship some super stars. I think, at first, children should think about studying, have some hobbies, interract with their parents more and have closer relationship with them. Of course, it's depends also on their parents. As for me, I like some actors, musicians, but I never worship them. There is no sense in worship anyone. All people should feel thier own personality and uniqueness so it's not necessary to have an idol who becomes a role model for their funs. You can admire someone without cult. Just try to feel your self-esteem and dignity.

Submitted by Mike_Hunt on Sat, 10/31/2020 - 10:32

agreed

Submitted by MirunaMiruu on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 14:52

Well, I don't think celebrities are bad for us. We can find ourselves when listening to their music. We choose the celebrity that we have something to learn from, which has a talent, a personality. For example, there are lots and lots of celebrities who helped fans. Such as Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. At the moment they are helping fans to get through the coronavirus pandemic, by sending amounts of money, and many others they've done since their career started. So we can obviously observe that we have something to learn from them. No matter what bad things they have done, in life, there are no humans with no mistakes on this planet.

Submitted by AndreiGabriel2425 on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 14:48

yep

Submitted by Naymeless on Thu, 05/23/2024 - 06:38

Yep

In reply to by AndreiGabriel2425

Submitted by Jenny201 on Sat, 10/24/2020 - 03:30

I don't agree that celebrities make disastrous role models. Firstly, celebrities influence fashion by wearing whatever is in style at the time but they also create trends for themselves. As a result, they have mostly contributed to the development of the fashion industry. Secondly, nobody is perfect even famous people. They can make mistakes, say something wrong, and do wrong things. But they are trained people who learn how to conceal their flaws to expose good things and strengths. Therefore, we are progressive people who can always learn and select appropriately from the right things. To be honest, I'm not interested in celebrities. I think no one can be a good role model. But I highly appreciate their charity works, the fantastic things, and the determination that they inspire to today's young generation.

Submitted by aru_uwu on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 16:03

It is not bad to have a role model, normally, we follow the celebrities with whom we identify, although there are celebrities who have not done the right things or that are not "appropriate" but I believe that each of us is free to choose who We continue and who does not.

Submitted by aru_uwu on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 16:02

It is not bad to have a role model, normally, we follow the celebrities with whom we identify, although there are celebrities who have not done the right things or that are not "appropriate" but I believe that each of us is free to choose who We continue and who does not.

Submitted by Cerdomagico420 on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 12:56

I think that having a role model isn't bad beacause you have something to continue with or something that motivates you to stay
Profile picture for user Kalenkhoe

Submitted by Kalenkhoe on Sun, 08/16/2020 - 18:04

It is not bad to have a celebrity as a role model. What's on to look is you are making the right choice while choosing someone you want to be like. Choose someone who's really worth the award of being a role model. It's true that not everybody's alike. For example, Sushant Singh Rajput, an actor, was a true influencer.

Submitted by Adrian15 on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 13:04

I think it depends on the celebrity you like, I think they are good and bad celebrities and the person decides whether or not they like the celebrity, be good or bad.

In reply to by Kalenkhoe

Submitted by Rahaf_ml on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 05:07

WAIT WHO SAID THAT THE CELEBRITIES SHOULD BE ROLE MODEL FOR US? They are famous because of the thing that they do, they should do a good thing which is not harmful for anyone, that what they should do. but a role models? i do not think so. Yeah some of us could take them as a role model and it is fine as long as they do not judge them when they do mistakes and it should be by their own desire to take them as a role model if they like them in something. The parents and the adults around the children and teenagers must be aware if who celebrities they like and share with them, and teach them what are the things that they should follow or not, and always be with them. I hate when people blame the celebrities about their children's bad behavior, it is not their fault. There is nothing wrong with being a fan for someone famous, but being too obsessed it is not healthy, but i think it is a teenager thing being obsessed with something and have impulsive feelings. In the last it is a horrible feeling when you do mistake and people make it bigger mistake cause they think you are perfect or an angel who never do anything wrong.
Profile picture for user bjyxszd

Submitted by bjyxszd on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 04:08

I think it's fine to love them. Don’t waste too much time on it,then you can do that.

Submitted by ShaitWebsite on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 08:02

Now this is an epic gamer moment right here
Profile picture for user trmynguyn7

Submitted by trmynguyn7 on Wed, 05/06/2020 - 07:50

maybe true for some people, but in my country (VietNam) most of celebs are very tanlented and they are good role models

Submitted by Yume on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 12:09

I don't think that they are bad because we have to remember, were not all perfect. We all make mistakes. Everybody has those days. Not every celebrity is downright awful. Sure, they have their ups and downs, but us as humans and a social economic society, need people to "worship". Take Justin Bieber, Sure, we know all the bad things he’s done. Getting arrested, and the mop bucket incident. But what about the good things? You might not know, but Justin Bieber donated $545,00 to a charity. Think about that, how many of you knew this? I’ll bet not that many. That’s because most of the televised actions are the bad ones.

Submitted by eleei on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 11:35

I do not think that celebrities are bad for us. Okay, they are really beautiful and they wear elegant clothes, and it could happen that girls get focused on their perfect body. But if you think about it, what would you expect? I mean... they will obviously be so beautiful but not beacuse they are conceited. They only want to show their best version. And if we only get focused and obsessed on their perfect body, in some ways, that's our problem.
Profile picture for user Giovannichoi

Submitted by Giovannichoi on Wed, 04/15/2020 - 10:11

I thik the celebrities are harmful, especially for childrens and students. According to my experience, most of girls in my class are really mad at the boy groups, such as, BTS and Wanawan, and X1. I am really distracted when they scream and make such a fuss about the celebrities' out looking, hair style, and their clothes. When the break time comes, girls are shouting their names and lyrics of their songs out loud. And the most important thing -which I can never understand- is that they punch us (the boys) if we mention the group's names. Then they say we insulted them. Like, look at this conversations. Boy1): Hey, the BTS is... Girl1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10): You insulted our BTS members!!! (punch! punch!) Can you understand it? I can't. Can you? So, the point is, the young fans insulted US and PUNCH us and even pretend to CRY and WE ARE SCOWLED BY OUR HOMEROOM TEACHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, the celebrities are giving very harmful effects us for distract us, and make us to be punched by their fans! I think it is not fair to punch people just because they are their fans. Actually, the famous celebrities wouldn't know their fans' name, though..

Submitted by meoww on Wed, 04/01/2020 - 09:35

I dont think that all artists are actually bad role models. Yes, some are but not all of them. Some artists are very inspiring people that have made an impact on the young generations today. There are artists who come from just normal families, or even worst circumstances, but in the end its their determination and hard work that has made them get to the point where they are now. Other artists also have great values, such as billie eillish. Despite of the fame she has now, she still is very humble and kind to everyone. Even artists like Selena Gomez who has gone through deep depression ends up getting through has given hope to those with mental health issues.

Submitted by Elife on Mon, 02/10/2020 - 23:42

Really, I'm not interested on celebrities. But, in my opinion, the celebrities can be negative because it affects to young people's behavior, but I also believe that there are some, who are role models who have qualities and virtues that we admire for hard work or determination in their career.

Submitted by songhuongduc on Sun, 11/03/2019 - 15:29

In my opinion, although the idolization of celebrities can be negative because it affects to young people's character and behavior, it is not all disadvantages. I think that the best role models are people who possess qualities we admire, like passion, hard work or determination. Often times, celebrities only let the public see their facade which means that we the audience, never get to see what they really are. Just because someone is famous and rich in the public eye, does not mean that they have done something worthy to be there. I don’t mean to say that celebrities aren’t nice, decent people, as some are genuinely positive role models who achieve something worthwhile.

Submitted by nguyenthao0808 on Mon, 10/21/2019 - 15:59

The person I’m gonna talk about is my bias ever since I was a teenage girl-Miley Cyrus. I guess most people at the same age as me grew up with Disney Channel and among its successful series, Hannah Montana starring Miley Cyrus would always be on top of my list. Although now she’s grown up, I’m still a big fan of her amazing voice and highly inspiring songs.

Submitted by iceglow on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 19:20

I don't think that there's any celebrity who is a good role model. They behave in an undesirable way, at least most of them. But I learnt english by being a fan of one famous guy that I don't wanna mention name. Believe or not, being one of the 5% group guys mentioned in the article is not a good thing, although I was. I'm happy that I don't belong to that group anymore,

Submitted by arielthein on Sat, 06/22/2019 - 07:57

Celebrities..... well, I'm not really a fan of any of them. And that's because the most popular celebs nowadays didn't really accomplish anything. Most. I'd say the least narcissistic and truthful celebs are writers, though some use ghostwriters. (Writers let other people write for them and pay money, those are ghostwriters)

Submitted by Kiddo on Wed, 04/10/2019 - 19:49

Actually I am not interested about celebs .Those who are real should get more respect and love
English courses near you