Social celebrities have a powerful impact on their fans and how they see the world for either better or worse. Sometimes it becomes very easy to estimate the way the celebrities influence the fan’s attitudes and behaviors.
Today’s youth get a positive influence on social media celebrities and they play a role model for them. There is no doubt that unhealthy examples can be set by famous actors, singers, and other celebrities. Celebrities greatly influence body image and substance use and this is usually detrimental to the mental age of teenage fans.
Fans need complete guidance on how to interpret the influence of celebrities. Kids should not be left alone around social media and it is always preferable that adults are with them. The development of kids depends on what they see and hear. The stories of celebrities can be used by teachers as entry points while discussing important issues about health and personal choices.
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The Impact of Media on Body Image of the Teen Fans
There are various factors that are taken into consideration while shaping the body image of the teen. Friends, family, and the surrounding area where the teens live, their cultural background highly impacts the body image of the teen. Moreover, the image of a celebrity greatly impacts the body image of a teenager fan.
As per a survey conducted recently, it was found that 80% of teen girl fans compare themselves to the images they see of the celebrities. Of course, it is true that nearly fifty percent of them do not like the way the celebrities look.
Thus, among teenager fans, girls’ appearance of a celebrity is very important. Author Lisa Bloom in the book “Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World” has revealed that 25 percent of the young American women would rather win America’s Next Top Model than the Nobel Peace Prize.
Know How Celebrities Influence Teen Eating Disorders
Celebrities have a great influence on the body image of a teen. The reason behind this is that body dissatisfaction is linked to mental health challenges, including eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression. In a study conducted it was found that young women link media with many images of an unrealistic thin ideal often exhibit symptoms of disordered eating. In a survey conducted in the Girls Scouts, Research Institute found that half of the girls aged 13 to 17 wished to have a skinny body like the models in fashion magazines.
The main role is played into this trend by celebrities when they document their extreme diets or use language that can trigger those with eating disorders like Kim Kardashian. This celebrity expressed gratitude for being said that see looked anorexic. The celebrities sometimes minimize the severity of eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia or prefer to have unhealthy products to suppress the appetite, and this compels them for dysfunction.
The celebrity Kardashian families are exploited for their physical bodies and are shrinking an opportunity to refrain the narrative around healthy weight. Teens are thus told that to look skinny defines your worth. No doubt that this message is superficial, heartbreaking for many and can be deadly for people suffering from life-threatening eating disorders.
Not only girls but young men also experience body dissatisfaction and depression due to viewing media images. The dissatisfaction of the body leads to unhealthy, excessive exercising among male teen fans.
Positive Influence of Celebrity on Teen Body Image
Some of the celebrities influence body image discussion. Beyonce, Melissa McCarthy Rihanna, and Jennifer Lawrence are some of the celebrities who have spoken out against the ideals of beauty promoted by the entertainment and fashion industries.
Substance Use and Celebrity Influence
Teenagers fans are highly influenced by celebrities in various ways. When celebrity star post an image of them drinking or smoking on social media, they make it attractive and cool.
Teenagers always keep in mind the idol of any celebrity stars and wish to be like them. If they see any of their favorite singer or actor using drugs or drinking then they might be tempted to be like them.
An American teen, while listening to music hears more than three references to various brand names of Alcohol. As per the survey conducted, this might contribute to teenagers addicted to drinking. It is also reported the celebrities who smoke cigarettes also influence the teenager to smoke. The influence of celebrity greatly contributes to the risk-taking behaviors of the youth.
Impact of Celebrity Endorsements on Teen Nutrition
The teen is influenced by what celebrities eat. In one study, 163 music celebrities endorsed themselves and were popular among teens. Teen Choice Award nomination was done to measure the celebrities’ popularity among adolescents. Many of the celebrities endorsed snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
Researchers also found that 71 percent of beverage endorsements promoted sugar-sweetened drinks. 81 percent of the endorsed foods were low in healthy nutrients. Thus, celebrities encourage teens to eat food that does not support their physical or mental development.
It is clear that nutrition and the mental health of teens are linked closely. Some of the nutrients contribute to mental health directly. Research has proved that there is a negative impact of sugar on the brain and body.
Talk to Teens About Celebrity Influence
Media influences teens as pop culture plays a big role in teens’ lives. Teens are greatly influenced by the way they think and talk about it. Hence, parents can make use of the experiences of celebrities as avenues for talking about sensitive subjects.
Celebrity anorexia gives opportunities to talk to teens about how dangerous the thin ideal can be. Celebrities can discuss various ways to stay healthy, fit, and eat well. Celebrities can tell about the way to cope with mental illness and how it can be diagnosed to be successful and happy.
Fans should know what they admire about their celebrities. The qualities they like, creativity, passion or dedication. They can also learn more about the lives of celebrities, the way they have struggled with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, etc.
Fans get upset when they come to know about the struggles of the celebrities. Parents should give different viewpoints to their kids and share with them stories of courage, honesty, and authenticity. The vulnerability of celebrities will only make them stronger. They often receive tremendous support and love and can serve as role models for youth.
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Some of the celebrities are unable to overcome mental health conditions. Hence, fans should know that people who suffer must seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Celebrities are real people and they experience real struggles. Since they are in the public eye, teens have the opportunity to learn from them. Parents can help their kids to sort positive information and take away a healthy message.