Fame: a Double-Edged Sword

Most people have wished to be famous at least once in their lives or wondered what it would be like. Fame is one of the most alluring drugs in modern-day society. However, is it a blessing or a curse? Mental breakdowns among celebrities have become so common that society has become numb to them, but what are their causes? Fame is often associated with power and wealth, but what are the downsides of celebrity? Is it true that these things equate to happiness? There is substantial evidence supporting the idea that childhood stardom is not worth the cost, as the negative impact it has on a child’s life often outweighs the positives of the lifestyle.

The Heavy Burden of Early Fame

Fame may begin with a moment of splendor but often leads to a lifetime of pain and suffering. For those who achieve fame in their early years, the consequences can be severe, often resulting in alcoholism, drug addiction, and depression, which can tragically lead to suicide. The human body can only handle so much stress, which is why the lifestyle celebrities lead can be perilous to their health. According to Blackwell, "The experience of too much stress over time can have adverse consequences on health and behavior" (Blackwell 41). Stress has the potential to lead to physical illness because it depletes the body’s energy reserves, thereby draining the resources that would normally be used to fight off disease (42-43).

Stress suppresses the immune system, as discussed by Sapolsky, who notes that stress "will suppress the formation of new lymphocytes and their release into the circulation" (Sapolsky 168-170). This suppression is due to glucocorticoids released into the bloodstream that inhibit lymphocytes from forming and functioning. These stress-related impacts can lead to a variety of illnesses, ranging from minor to serious (Carey). The stress of celebrities' day-to-day lives has been linked to depression, a debilitating mental illness that can hijack a person’s life. As Sapolsky describes it, "a major depression... can destroy lives, demolish families" (Sapolsky 289-290). Depression robs individuals of the pleasures that often motivate us to keep going, stripping away joy and leaving only sadness and negativity.

The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Self-Destruction

The body releases many different hormones under stress, and when something highly stressful occurs, the body responds by releasing these hormones. Once the stress stops, the body ceases to release them, and everything returns to normal. However, extreme stress, such as that experienced by celebrities, occurs so frequently that the body struggles to return to normalcy. Over time, this can lead to the cessation of defense hormone production, resulting in mental issues such as depression (Blackwell 558-560). Child stars are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to struggle with developing good morals due to the many dishonest and corrupt individuals in show business (Cherry 152). They are thrust into a world they do not fully understand, forced to navigate it alone, and undergo the five stages of fame: love, hate, addiction, acceptance, and adaptation (152). For an unprepared child, this can be confusing and overwhelming.

Child stars are often put under immense stress, making them more susceptible to addictions, such as alcohol. Alcohol is one of many substances that induces stress just enough to make the user experience pleasure (Sapolsky 353-354). Children are more likely to become alcoholics because they tend to drink twice as much as adults and the effects of alcohol are stronger on them (Linda 1). Alcoholism is especially dangerous for children because it can alter the way their brains develop (2). The stress child stars endure also heightens their risk of abusing other substances, such as cocaine or heroin. Celebrities are often forced to compromise their ideals, leading to self-destructive behavior. Studies suggest that people may use alcohol and other drugs as a strategic means of escaping self-consciousness (Schaller 294). Celebrities, held to unreachable standards, are acutely more self-aware than the average person, which exacerbates self-consciousness. These unattainable expectations can severely damage a young adolescent already struggling to find themselves, leading to anxiety and self-esteem issues.

The Cage of Celebrity

Celebrities often feel as though fame has trapped them in a cage. Fame can overwhelm, happening suddenly without allowing the time needed to properly adjust. Justin Bieber has spoken about the feeling of being trapped, stating, "[I get depressed] all the time and I feel isolated. You’re in your hotel room and there’s fans all around, paparazzi following you everywhere, and it gets intense" (Howard). Kylie Jenner echoed these sentiments, expressing a desire to live a simpler life away from the spotlight (Corinthios). She also discussed the pressure to appear flawless, which is exacerbated by constant media attention (Galivane). Child celebrities grow up without privacy, facing constant judgment, and the hardships caused by fame can have lasting negative psychological effects (Blackwell 378).

Willow Smith has also spoken about the decisions she was forced to make at an early age and the effects fame had on her childhood, describing it as "absolutely, excruciatingly terrible" (Galivane 2). The pressure can lead to a spiral of depression, with the world watching, often making jokes or memes about the crippling effect of this lifestyle on the psyche. Justin Bieber expressed his shock at the realities of fame, stating, "I just wanted to sing and make music... but when I got famous... I was like, ‘Dude, I didn’t sign up for this’" (Howard). Conclusion: Raising Awareness and Seeking Change

Fame has profound negative effects on children, both physically and mentally. The human body can only handle so much stress, making fame potentially dangerous. The stress associated with celebrity life has been linked to depression, and evidence shows that repeated exposure to stress can lead to mental health issues. Child stars are more likely to struggle with developing good morals due to the many corrupt individuals surrounding them in show business. They are put under immense stress, making them more likely to develop addictions. Celebrities often feel trapped by fame, put under pressure to meet impossible expectations, which can lead to anxiety and self-esteem issues. It is crucial to raise awareness about the serious and lasting effects of childhood fame and the stress that show business places on children. By doing so, we can foster change in the industry, ensuring a healthier environment for young stars.

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