A celebrity is an individual with a prominent profile and considerable influence in the day-to-day media. The term “celebrity” usually suggests wealth, great popularity, or prominence in a particular field. Some of the most common careers that result in celebrity status include entertainment, sports, and politics. Some people become celebrities because they live lavish lifestyles and are associated with various misdeeds. Others are known as “B-grade celebrities.”
The word “celebrity” actually has ancient roots. Celebritas, from the Latin celebritas, means “fame or crowd.” The word “celebrity” has religious connotations. The definition of a celebrity is as varied as the person’s own personality. In the modern world, the term “celebrity” is used to describe almost any famous person, from a rock star to an actor.
Notable ancestors also contribute to the status of a celebrity. Some families are associated with their descendants, and others have been prominent in one field for generations. Families associated with US politics include the Kennedy family, the House of Windsor, and the Rockefeller family. In other areas, celebrities include the Jackson and Osbourne families, as well as those associated with popular culture, film, and television. The Ochs-Sulzberger family may have objected to frivolous tales appearing in the newspaper, but they still cultivated a celebrity image.
The participants’ responses showed that their favorite celebrities were wildly varied. One-tenth of the sample did not mention any celebrity at all. Most of the respondents reported that their favorite celebrities were involved in fields like music and sports. Most participants had been fans of these celebrities for at least 5 years, while only 9.8% were just beginning to follow their favorite celebrity. In general, however, participants rated their emotional connection to their favorite celebrity as medium. The findings suggest that fans of a particular celebrity may be more emotional than others.
Other celebrities have taken the social responsibility route. Among the notables are Joe Montana, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and Kevin Durant, a basketball star and a former NBA player. Both have invested in cannabis companies. While they are not necessarily a celebrity, they are certainly a great addition to the business world. Taking action on the social issues that matter most can lead to a successful career or additional revenue streams for celebrities. So, do not be apathetic, but be a positive force for change.
The study also looked at the psychological correlates of celebrity worship, including problematic internet use and maladaptive daydreaming. While there was no direct correlation between time spent online and celebrity worship, the researchers found that those who used the internet to obsessively and excessively were more likely to engage in these behaviors. Ultimately, this finding suggests that people who indulge in such behavior are more likely to be depressed, have lower self-efficacy, and experience other problems.
There are several different studies examining the relationship between age and celebrity worship. One study focused on Josh Groban fans while another looked at Star Trek fans. These studies had sample sizes of 87 and 105, respectively. The study also examined the problematic dimensions of celebrity worship in young adults and college students. These studies also found no relation between age and celebrity worship. So, the question remains – why do we worship celebrities? Perhaps it’s because of the popularity of popular personalities.