Source: People Obsessed with Celebrities Study

A recent study published in BMC Psychology suggests that those who intensely worship celebrities have lower intelligence. Statistically, the study shows a connection between lowered cognitive ability and the obsession with celebrities.

Honestly, it is hard for me to understand any obsession with today’s celebrities, given their depraved lifestyles and the horrible examples set by the majority of those considered celebrities. Most of them achieved fame by living in ways society should not admire. Sadly, many individuals allow a celebrity-driven mindset to shape their thinking, their appearance, and their decision-making.

I have some thoughts about the influence of celebrities and those who allow them to shape and guide their lives:

They mistake celebrity for value.

Being famous or well-known does not mean a person brings any value. This is not to say that being well-known never brings value—scientists or businessmen, for example, may contribute significantly. However, even then, a person may bring value to only one area of expertise and no other. The backbone of our society does not rise and fall on celebrities but on those who faithfully fulfill their ordinary, daily responsibilities.

They mistake celebrity for reality.

Nothing reveals the lack of reality like a celebrity lecturing us on who to vote for or on the virtues of global warming. Those enamored with celebrity have failed to stay grounded in reality. Sometimes, those consumed with celebrity culture use it to escape reality, causing them to fall further behind in changing the things that directly affect them.

They mistake celebrity for eternity.

In Mark 8:36 we are reminded, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Celebrity is temporary, but eternity is forever. It will not matter how many followers someone had on social media or how wealthy they became through fame. All that matters for eternity is if we have been saved by the blood of Christ.

I cannot speak to the validity of this study with certainty, but the results make sense. Parents and pastors should warn the younger generation of this damaging influence.

I often wonder, after listening to how foolish celebrities sound, how they could have any influence—and what kind of person would value their guidance. Now we know.