Negative Influence of Celebrities on Youth

Introduction

How is social media affecting the way children view celebrities’ lifestyles? In today’s digital age, social media plays a central role in shaping the perceptions and behaviors of young people. Children and teens spend most of their time on social media, which can significantly influence their attitudes and actions. Kids often spend more time on social media than with their own family, leading to distorted views of reality. Parents need to encourage children to spend less time on cell phones and more time focusing on school work.

In addition, it is essential for parents to guide their children in critically evaluating the content they see online, especially celebrity-driven media. The stars of social media are just as likely to be a role model as traditional celebrities, and their influence can have both positive and negative consequences on youth. In particular, the negative influence of celebrities on youth can shape their body image, self-esteem, and life goals, which is why it is crucial to address the impact of celebrity culture on young minds.

There are many reasons why young children look up to social media stars and want to become one of them; one reason is that social media stars post revealing photos to the internet, which can lead children to develop unrealistic beauty standards and make them feel insecure about their own appearance. There are plenty of positive role models on social media; according to the top social media stars, these role models can encourage children to do what is right and to make positive choices. However, the negative influence of celebrities on youth often outweighs the positive, as children are more likely to emulate the glamorous lifestyles and materialistic values they see online. Children will follow any ‘celeb’ they see as perfect. This can sometimes lead to harmful behaviors, such as striving for unattainable beauty standards or adopting unhealthy habits. Celebrities and parents should encourage children to engage in activities such as sports or reading instead of spending excessive time on their phones. This shift in focus can help children develop healthier self-esteem and promote more meaningful personal growth. Children and teens are keen to act like and follow what they feel is acceptable to society; by the time kids are in middle school, they look at their peers and sense social acceptance. They see if someone is odd or stands out, and they may consider them unacceptable. The desire for social acceptance, driven in part by celebrity culture, can lead to bullying behaviors, which is a significant issue in today’s schools. Children who are considered unacceptable are often the kids who are being bullied, which only highlights the damaging impact of the negative influence of celebrities on youth.

The Allure of Celebrity Lifestyles

Children and teens are spending too much time on social media. According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of nine hours a day on social media, which is the same amount of time it takes to get the proper amount of sleep. Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and YouTube are the top leading social media sites that young children and teens are on. These platforms are particularly attractive to young users due to the constant presence of celebrities and influencers, who post content that often showcases their glamorous lifestyles. These sites are popular due to how much celebrities use them. Children, teens, and celebrities use social media because it enables anyone to create and share content and connect with each other. The time teens and children are spending on social media is expanding more and more and is becoming a part of their everyday lives. According to the website, social interaction is crucial for psychological development, and by being socially connected, your child may seem less isolated and develop better social skills, which, as I mentioned earlier, can help them feel socially acceptable. I know you’re wondering, what does social media have to do with my topic? Well, celebrities are on social media most of the time, which is why children and teens are so addicted to it. As they follow celebrities' posts and updates, they start to emulate their behaviors and adopt the same values, which can sometimes lead to negative outcomes. Social media is the easiest way for teens and children to access what is trending, and they follow what they are shown, often imitating the lifestyles they see promoted by their favorite stars.

Celebrity Influence: Positive and Negative Aspects

How can we stop celebrities? While it is unrealistic to expect the influence of celebrities to disappear, it is important to examine how they can be more responsible in their public behavior. Many people have adopted the idea of getting celebrities involved in important causes. Celebrities can have a positive influence on youth; in fact, they can serve as role models for their younger viewers. For instance, many celebrities actively promote social justice causes, mental health awareness, and environmental protection. Charities often benefit from celebrity endorsements. If an actor from a famous movie appears on television and encourages people at home to donate money for a cause, that advertisement will get more attention than if an unknown person were to do the same, leading to increased charitable donations. This means that people are donating money because someone famous told them to. However, while celebrities can use their platform for good, their influence can also be misused, leading young people to adopt harmful behaviors. A politician posting on their Twitter or Facebook account about a dilemma may get some notice. However, when a celebrity posts about the same issue, their message can reach millions, making it go viral much faster. The difference is what the celebrity is associated with. Celebrities star in movies or television shows that the public enjoys. Therefore, whenever an individual sees a celebrity, their brain connects the person with the positive emotions they feel from watching their movie or television show. This connection strengthens the celebrity’s influence, making it more likely that their opinions will shape the views of their audience. Just because these celebrities are promoting something does not mean it will always be a good cause. While some celebrities promote worthwhile causes, others may focus on materialism or promote unhealthy lifestyles, which can negatively affect their young followers. For better or worse, celebrities have a powerful impact on how teens view themselves and how they see the world. In fact, it’s easy to underestimate how much celebrities influence teenage attitudes and behavior. This influence can be especially dangerous when it reinforces harmful body ideals, unrealistic expectations, and consumerism among youth.

The factors I am about to present are all reasons why children and teens try to live the lifestyle of celebrities. This obsession with "celebs" is largely driven by the way celebrities present themselves online and in the media. These obsessions are due to how celebrities are constantly shown as having perfect lives, which children and teens admire and seek to replicate. Children and teens observe and follow what they are being shown. They are deeply influenced by the images celebrities project, whether it's through social media posts or television appearances. Children and teens are closely associated with celebrities because celebrities are reflections of what children and teens want to become. The allure of celebrity status includes elements such as stylish clothes, glamorous parties, luxurious lifestyles, and the constant attention from paparazzi. These factors contribute to why children and teens want to be like celebrities. They idealize these aspects of celebrity life, not understanding the potential negative effects it may have on their mental health and values. Teens see celebrities everywhere, such as in magazines, movies, television shows, and social media; they create trends and promote the latest products. Some celebs have been around for years, such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, and Kylie Jenner, influencing children of all ages. According to Omniscient, thirty-seven percent of students surveyed said they are influenced by the music they listen to, seventeen percent said celebrities influence the clothes they wear, while 28.9 percent said celebrities influence the movies they see. The influence of celebrities on fashion, behavior, and entertainment choices cannot be overstated. According to Medium Corporation, more than fifty percent of the users on Twitter follow musicians and actors. This highlights the power celebrities hold over their followers, especially in shaping consumer habits and self-image. There are many celebrities who are shown as either good influencers or bad influencers. In either case, their impact on young minds is undeniable and often forms the foundation for how children and teens shape their own identities.

Celebrity Influence on Body Image and Self-Worth

But famous singers, actors, and other celebrities can also provide unhealthy examples. In particular, the celebrity influence on body image and substance use can have deeply detrimental effects on teen mental health, leading to unrealistic beauty standards, eating disorders, and a distorted sense of self-worth. This negative influence of celebrities on youth is an issue that requires urgent attention from both parents and educators. Therefore, teenagers need guidance on how to interpret celebrities’ influence. Adults must play an active role in helping children understand the difference between celebrity portrayals and reality. Engaging with kids around media is crucial, as it allows adults to support how children process what they see and hear. Open discussions about the impact of celebrity culture can help teens develop a healthier perspective on body image and success. Moreover, parents and teachers can use celebrities’ stories as entry points into important discussions about health and personal choices. It’s no secret the impact a celebrity endorsement can have on a brand. When celebrities promote a product, especially those related to beauty and fashion, it often leads to an increase in consumerism among young followers. This dynamic has been proven to deliver results for years. Champions (UK) plc has been pairing leading brands with high-profile celebrities for well over a decade. While this may be beneficial for businesses, it also raises ethical concerns about the messages being sent to young, impressionable audiences. And we can do the same for you and your brand. We work with celebrity influence from the world of TV, sport, and music. Our celebrities are aware of their followings and how to use them to create noise around a brand.

The people of our society are constantly alerted to new advertisements about popular celebrities, and this constant exposure makes celebrities unavoidable topics in media discussions. Therefore, they have a huge influence over young children and teens. Today, celebrities have a lot of power over our society, especially in shaping cultural trends and consumer behaviors. No matter how much we may criticize celebs, we still find ourselves fascinated with what they are doing because we, as people, are hungry for fame. This desire for fame often leads young people to idolize celebrities, viewing their lives as the ideal to strive for. Companies use celebrities in their advertisements to promote and make their products popular. This kind of celebrity endorsement is a powerful marketing tool that can influence teenagers' purchasing decisions and perceptions of self-worth. Media influence on teenagers can be deliberate; for example, advertising is often directed at children and teenagers. The targeted nature of these ads means that children and teens are increasingly aware of brands, which can have a lasting impact on their materialistic values. This means that children and teenagers are increasingly conscious of brands and images, and they often equate popularity with success, as seen in the lives of celebrities. You’re not alone if your child has pestered you to buy the next ‘in’ thing, as the power of celebrity-driven consumer culture continues to grow.

Celebrity Influence on Materialism and Consumerism

The behavioral differences in young children and teens can often be traced back to how they view celebrities and what celebs post on social media. When celebrities share aspects of their personal lives online, such as their interests, struggles, lifestyles, and vacations, it creates a sense of intimacy between them and their followers. Teens get a sense of who the celebs are as people, and they start to compare their own lives to those they see online. This comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to emulate the lifestyles of these celebrities. When celebs use their popularity to bring attention to global issues, this can be impactful to teens. They learn that celebrities can leverage their influence for good, but they may also be exposed to a distorted view of success and happiness. For some children and teens, the obsession with celebrities is so strong that fans will walk, talk, and act like celebrities. Many fans are teenagers, and this fascination with celebrity culture can foster materialism and consumerism, as teens equate possessions and fame with success. We don’t always understand why teens are obsessed with celebrities, but “their larger-than-life presence, popularity, lifestyle, and money” are often what draws them in. It’s not just about good looks; it’s about the aspirational lifestyle and the idea that fame equals happiness and fulfillment. That doesn’t make sense to some, but for teens, it is what their celebrity represents that they identify with. Whether it is a character they’re portraying, philanthropy, lifestyle, or social status, the fantasy is that celebs lead easy lives with no problems, always catered to, with perfect bodies and endless happiness. Teens may believe that emulating these traits is a way to gain acceptance at school, as they stay well-informed about the latest celebrity trends and gossip. This obsession with money, power, and fame can distort young people's values and lead them to act out, trying to live up to the expectations set by celebrity culture.

According to MGH Clay Center, “Reality TV typically reveals inappropriate behavior within peer groups, often promoting interpersonal drama, aggression, and bullying. For example, women in The Real Housewives franchise gossip, back-stab, and behave aggressively, condescendingly, and cattily toward one another. This portrayal of negative behaviors such as relational aggression reinforces unhealthy stereotypes and sends harmful messages to young viewers. The expression of relational aggression between females seen across several reality shows gives girls the idea that gossiping is a normal part of a female relationship, that it’s in girls’ natures to be divisive and competitive with one another, and that being mean earns respect and is often necessary to get what you want. This pattern of behavior glorifies cruelty, making it seem acceptable for young viewers to mimic. “As we try to discourage bullying, gossiping, and other forms of interpersonal aggression between young girls, it’s unfortunate that reality shows often feature adults behaving in exactly this manner, all the while continuing to gain popularity in mainstream media.” MGH Clay Center states that television shows, particularly those involving celebrities, often showcase fighting and bullying, which can cause teens and children to act like what they are shown in shows like The Real Housewives franchise. This representation of celebrity culture can normalize toxic behavior, leading young viewers to believe that such actions are a part of everyday life. They also give tips on how to talk with your children about reality television. The top three tips are:

• find out if TV images affect your child’s self-image and values;
• talk to your child about why she likes certain characters;
• help your child develop critical responses to what they observe on reality TV.

By encouraging children to question the behavior they see on TV, parents can mitigate the negative influence of celebrities and reality TV shows.

According to MGH Clay Center, “Reality TV typically reveals inappropriate behavior within peer groups, often promoting interpersonal drama, aggression, and bullying. For example, women in The Real Housewives franchise gossip, back-stab, and behave aggressively, condescendingly, and cattily toward one another. This kind of negative behavior is glorified in reality TV, making it seem acceptable to young viewers who may see it as normal and even desirable. The expression of relational aggression between females seen across several reality shows gives girls the idea that gossiping is a normal part of a female relationship, that it’s in girls’ natures to be divisive and competitive with one another, and that being mean earns respect and is often necessary to get what you want. This harmful portrayal of female relationships can significantly shape how young girls perceive themselves and their interactions with others, leading them to mimic unhealthy behaviors.”

“As we try to discourage bullying, gossiping, and other forms of interpersonal aggression between young girls, it’s unfortunate that reality shows often feature adults behaving in exactly this manner, all the while continuing to gain popularity in mainstream media.” MGH Clay Center states that television shows, especially those featuring celebrities, often showcase fighting and bullying, which can lead teens and children to mimic the toxic behaviors they see on screen. For example, shows like The Real Housewives franchise normalize aggression and relational conflicts, which can influence how young viewers perceive acceptable social behavior. They also give tips on how to talk with your children about reality television. The top three tips are: 1) find out if TV images affect your child’s self-image and values, 2) talk to your child about why she likes certain characters, and 3) help your child develop critical responses to what they observe on reality TV. By discussing these issues openly, parents can help children develop the skills to recognize unhealthy behaviors and not emulate them.

Also, while I was reading about my topic, I came across an article on Science Daily.com that states, “Celebrities can have a positive influence on youth. In fact, they can serve as role models. However, it’s important to recognize that celebrities can also set unhealthy examples. In particular, the celebrity influence on body image and substance use is often detrimental to teen mental health, leading to unrealistic expectations and potentially harmful behaviors. Celebrities, by promoting idealized body types or endorsing harmful substances, can create a distorted sense of reality for young viewers. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents and educators to guide young people in understanding the complex nature of celebrity influence and help them develop a balanced perspective on what they see in the media.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are statements that prove children and young teens tend to act out and behave differently because of how celebrities portray themselves. While some may take what they see and behave positively, others might try to imitate celebrities' actions, believing it will help them fit in or achieve success. Some children may try to rebel against celebrity culture by acting the opposite of what they see, while others may aspire to become like their idols. This duality reflects the powerful influence that celebrities have over youth, often shaping their self-image and aspirations. People may think that celebrities are bad influencers and want to stay away from them, while others may view them as good role models and wish to emulate them. However, the truth is that celebrities have one of the largest influences on our society, especially on our children and young teens. "See what you want, be what you be, do not lose yourself on this long journey, but at the end of the day, be who you desire to be." — Jonquil Melton. Ultimately, it is essential for society, especially parents and educators, to help children navigate the overwhelming influence of celebrities and develop their own identities based on healthy values.

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