There are many people in the world who possess the life for which we yearn, the talent we crave, or the money we wish to bank. Such factors can turn ordinary people into fans of the possessor, but once posters on the bedroom walls turn to the point where one feels the need to fully embody their idol, it can take a toll on their mental health.
This unhealthy obsession with celebrities is called celebrity worship syndrome. Health Shots – a publication dedicated to providing information concerning health and wellness – explains that the syndrome is considered to be an obsessive-addictive disorder, though it is not a clinically recognised condition.
As a type of parasocial relationship, celebrity worship syndrome is a one-sided, nonreciprocal relationship, explains Psych Central – a publication run by an editorial team committed to bringing forth mental health information.
Psych Central also notes that the syndrome may present in various ways and intensities. It can range from naming your child after your celebrity idol to having cosmetic surgery to look like them.
Still, worshipping celebrities can impact your mental health.
Here are some ways in which it can do so:
Can lead to a loss of personal identity
Celeb-obsessed people can become so consumed with the lives of their idols that they neglect their own interests and passions, leading to feelings of emptiness and confusion, explains Health Shots.
Can negatively impact relationships
Psych Central states that intimate, family, friends, and professional relationships can all decline under the demands of celebrity worship. An example of the negative impact it has can include the person unfairly comparing their romantic partners to celebrity ideals, or ignoring their partner in favour of perceived celebrity connections.
All aspects of the person’s life may deteriorate
“Be it work, family, friends or partners, everything or everyone around that person gets affected,” notes Health Shots. “That’s because all their attention, intention and focus shifts towards the celebrity and not their actual lives.”
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