16 Ways That Obsessing Over Celebrities Will Ruin Your Health
Remember falling head over heels for Leo after your first watch of Titanic? Or maybe you’re a Swiftie with a serious love for all things Taylor. Celebrity crushes are a rite of passage and these stars embody the charm, talent, and glamour we dream about! Fantasizing about a day with your favorite Hollywood star is harmless fun, but there’s a fine line between admiration and obsession. Knowing where that line is can save you from stepping into unhealthy territory. Look at the fascinating world of Celebrity Worship Syndrome and what you need to know to keep your fandom in check.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Celebrity Worship Syndrome?
Celebrity Worship Syndrome is the term for an unusual obsession or preoccupation with a particular celebrity or fandom. Unlike regular fandoms, CWS is a serious fanaticism that stems from a one-sided relationship with a celebrity.
It’s obsessive, compulsive, and highly addictive. It’s not officially a diagnosis, but it’s still mentioned in medical groups.
Parasocial vs. Social
Regular social relationships go both ways. Both parties are aware of one another. You can call them up to kvetch. Parasocial relationships are one-sided. The celebrity has no idea who you are or might know you as “that guy in the comments.” And yet, you feel like you got some socialization out of it. You feel like you know them as people or like they’ve become a part of your life.
Fandoms Explained
Fandoms are a form of parasocial relationship. Not all celebrity fandoms are bad. Being a major fan of a TV show, musician, or celebrity can be a good way to bond with friends. If you’re just an avid follower of Kim Kardashian or something similar, you’re probably totally fine. Celebrity Worship Syndrome occurs when people’s obsession starts getting in the way of daily life.
Why?
Celebrity Worship Syndrome is a parasocial relationship that gets obsessive. Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships where a viewer sees a celebrity perform. Over time, people feel a one-sided connection with that celebrity. In some cases, it may be an addictive admiration. In other cases, they may feel like they are truly connected to the celebrity in question.
But Why?
The easiest explanation is that people are lonely. When people don’t get the social relationships they need, they start to turn to parasocial relationships. To people with Celebrity Worship Syndrome, their obsession may be a way to assuage anxiety, feel some form of control, or even feel a connection to another person, something they are unable to find in real life.
Marketing Tool
Our society also encourages celebrity worship. Marketing plans for public figures often include methods that increase parasocial connections, including statements to fans or special “hangout sessions” with fans. Despite the danger of these practices, this is still happening today. Taylor Swift, in particular, is famous for her “BFF” parasocial relationships.
Are These Healthy?
At times, parasocial relationships can be healthy. We all know people who bond over their favorite football team or their favorite Rolling Stones songs. However, there’s growing evidence that parasocial relationships are becoming too commonplace. Worse, people are increasingly unable to realize these relationships are one-sided.
If you have Celebrity Worship Syndrome, it’s become an unhealthy addiction to celeb gossip.
More Internet-Dependent
Studies show that more internet-dependent people are more likely to be in parasocial relationships. This makes sense, as thanks to the internet, we can now know every detail of someone’s life. However, many people believe that parasocial relationships can actually encourage internet dependence. This can lead to isolation, difficulty with regular relationships, and worsened mental health.
Delusions
Celebrity Worship Syndrom has the potential to turn into delusional thinking. You might think a celebrity owes you their time, that you’re actually friends, or that you have some kind of control over them. It’s not unusual for delusional fans to believe they’re in a romantic relationship with a celebrity or to become “rabid” over the fandom. This can also be dangerous for celebrities who may find fans outside of their house.
Comparisons
Another way Celebrity Worship Syndrome can impact others deals with comparing oneself to a celebrity. People who spend thousands to look like the celebrity of their choice might have this syndrome. In most cases, this form of celebrity worship can lead to body dysmorphia or botched surgeries to resemble their idol. It’s never a “good look.”
Isolation
It’s no secret that too much celebrity obsession can push others away. While your significant other might be okay with a gossip rag or two around the house, they won’t be pleased about you talking about the celebrity 24/7. If you prioritize a celebrity over your real-life friendships, your friendships will wither away.
After all, your friends want to be a significant part of your life. Being a second banana to someone who doesn’t know you is pretty hurtful.
Watch Yourself
Celebrity fandoms can be safe, though it’s more of a spectrum. So, are you developing an obsession, or are you fine? If you’re starting to notice a growing obsession with a particular person, you should get therapy and take a little time for yourself. At the end of the day, your real life and your real friends are going to be what matters—not what your favorite celebrity does.
Low Self-Esteem
Celebrity Worship Syndrome can also lead to low self-esteem. Why? This is because people keep comparing themselves—both in terms of physical appearance and financial success—to the celebrity in question, often forgetting these people have entire teams working for them. This may result in a drop in confidence with several negative consequences on all aspects of someone’s life.
The Impact On Your Wallet
Another common problem regarding this syndrome is that people spend too much money to purchase whatever product their favorite celebrity is advertising, whether an expensive perfume, a new clothing line, and so forth. Some fans may even sign up for surgical procedures to look like their idols, spending thousands of dollars forever changing their appearance.
Friendships
Many people who follow celebrities believe that they are actual friends in real life. While a person may feel like they genuinely know a celebrity, they need to remember that the celebrity does not know them. They are not “real” people in your life, and the relationship is a one-sided thing. It is not healthy to believe that a celebrity is a real friend. Plenty of people in your life would probably love to be your friend!
Strong Emotional Reaction
People dealing with CWS often have strong emotional reactions when reading about celebrities’ lives, as if their actions directly impacted them. For instance, they may genuinely feel betrayed when reading in a magazine that their alleged partner is dating someone, or they may be incredibly happy for them whenever they win an award or prestigious prize.
