The word celebrity is a combination of the Latin words céliba, meaning “famous” and cultus, which means “worship.” People who are famous because of their movies, television shows, songs or sports games are considered celebrities. Some public figures are even known worldwide because of their philanthropic activities and the donations they make to help those in need. Celebrities can also be role models for young children. They may influence a child’s life in many ways, especially if they are involved with the arts or sports. However, they should be careful not to abuse their power and influence a child in the wrong way.
A person can become a celebrity if they are able to get the attention of the media, which is usually done by using photos. These pictures are published in magazines, newspapers and TV programs. Some of them are accompanied by articles, which describe the achievements and misbehaviors of celebrities. In addition, some of them are used in advertisements to attract the audience. Various media agencies exploit the concept of celebrity and use it for profit. Celebrities can have positive effects on a culture of societies as they can inspire people to follow their example and live decent lives.
Some people become famous because of their wealth and family. Paris Hilton is a perfect example of this type of celebrity. She became famous because of her wealth and the fact that she has a very important family. Other celebrities have become famous because they fight against AIDS, cancer and other diseases, they support charity organizations and they help the poor. The list of the famous people is very long. High-ranking politicians, people who talk about news in television, major league athletes and those who go to outer space are also considered celebrities.
Almost every culture in the world has some famous individuals that are celebrated and derogated for their status. These people are truly exalted and have a status that is above others, but they are also ridiculed for their believed-to-be unearned credentials.
Celebrity can be a dangerous trap for those who are prone to it. There are countless examples of rock stars, actors and comedians who have lost their lives to the temptation of fame. Those who are unable to cope with the pressures of being known to a large number of strangers can suffer from addictions, alienation and depression.
It is important to understand that celebrity is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by different factors. It is difficult to analyze its impact on health because of the variety of results and outcomes that are examined by researchers. Currently, there is only a fragmented collection of primary studies that evaluate the effects of celebrities on health. It is crucial to find a method that will allow the evaluation of the impacts across different populations, environments and interventions. This will ensure that a clearer picture is obtained of the relationship between celebrities and health. This will help the development of a more effective and targeted approach to the study of celebrity.