The Phenomenon of Celebrity
A celebrity is a person who has achieved broad public recognition and widespread interest for his or her achievements. This recognition is usually created and disseminated by mass media, including TV talk shows, magazines, movies, music, and the internet. Celebrities can be public figures or private individuals. This article will explore the nature of the phenomenon of celebrity and its impact on our culture. Modern society has a tendency to idolize celebrities and the coveted life they live. This is partly due to the popularity of reality television which places a spotlight on the daily activities of people. However, it is also due to the increased visibility that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have allowed for. People can now interact directly with celebrities and have an almost real-time relationship with them. Some critics of the celebrity culture point to the fact that it promotes unhealthy habits such as excessive dieting and over-exercising, and that many stars are constantly on the road or traveling which can cause them to miss school or work. Others complain that the fame of some celebrities is empty as they have become famous based on their wealth and other material things rather than their accomplishments. For example, Paris Hilton became a celebrity because of her family's money, not because she is an important figure in her own right. Even though there are negative aspects to the celebrity culture, it does serve a purpose in society. For example, the success of a movie star can lead to a sequel which can boost box office sales and attract more fans. This can then have a positive effect on the movie star's career. In addition, there are celebrities who use their fame to raise awareness about various issues in our society such as mental illness. Actors such as Ariana Grande and Bella Hadid have been frank in sharing their struggles with depression and anxiety while England's Prince Harry has spoken openly about his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Another role that celebrities play is that of moral example. For example, many young girls grow up wanting to be princesses and see that lifestyle portrayed in the stars they see in movies and in magazines. In addition, there are celebrities who give back to the community through charity work. This can be a good way to help out and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The phenomenon of celebrity will most likely continue to evolve and change as our technology advances and changes the ways in which we create and share information. This will have a direct influence on the types of celebrity that we create and idolize. Despite the fact that there are negative aspects of celebrity, there is no doubt that it will continue to be a part of our culture for some time to come. Whether we are lusting after Robert Pattinson as the vampire antihero in Twilight or swooning over Michael B. Jordan as the baddie in Black Panther, celebrity is here to stay.