thesis statement about celebrities are good role models

Celebrities as Good Role Models Essay

Introduction, celebrities as role models.

In the introduction it is affirmed that celebrities have positive elements needed to become role models, hence explaining why most of them inspire others. In the body section, media personalities Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey were analysed.

Angelina has strong values, which can be seen in her personal life as an international adopting parent and also in her role as a UN goodwill ambassador. Oprah’s success in her career and her philanthropic work teaches others how to be professionals and how to use their wealth selflessly.

These celebrities still have some flaws; but they have not let their past get in the way of their societal impact. In the conclusion, it was affirmed that celebrities’ accomplishments are easily identifiable to the public, as is the case with Angelina and Oprah, and this makes them good role models.

Since celebrities demonstrate what it means to be an extraordinary media personality, then they serve as exemplary role models. Angelina Jolie and Oprah are positive role models as seen through their career accomplishments and charity initiatives; they did not let their dark past defuse the change they instated in society.

Some celebrities illuminate their position as media personalities through the right behaviour and attitude. A role model is one whose attitude and behaviour conform to that which people expect of a person in that role. Actress Angelina Jolie exemplifies this positive role through involvement in humanitarian work and her personal life. She has worked as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations for several years.

Jolie took the personal initiative to contact the UNHCR concerning troubled regions of the world. She visited several African refugee camps in 2000. As a field agent of the UN, Jolie went to Pakistan and Cambodia to do mission work in refugee camps.

These trips started after she became the goodwill ambassador in 2001. The celebrity has visited approximately thirty countries in an attempt to create awareness about the plight of refugees. She has brought media attention back to forgotten civil conflicts. Furthermore, Jolie covers her own expenses during these missions, and shares the same deplorable conditions with other UN workers.

She undertakes these humanitarian missions bravely as seen through her entrance into conflict zones (Allen-Mills, 2008). Some celebrities may refrain from visiting dangerous places like Darfur and Afghanistan, but Jolie has not shied away from these regions. Her attitude and behaviour as a goodwill ambassador are exemplary and typical of a good role model.

Celebrities can inspire others to imitate them through their values and goals. In addition to visiting refugees, Jolie has done a lot of media campaigns and lobbying work. The celebrity even made a documentary about poverty-stricken communities in East Africa. She has worked with politicians and other bodies in Washington.

Jolie launched several foundations intended on helping children in conflict zones and those in the US who are immigrants. The actress’s long list of humanitarian awards testifies to her commitment and passion for people in need. Angelina Jolie’s accomplishments in this area illuminate the positive part that celebrities can play as role models.

She has dedicated her life to making the lives of others better, and this is something that the public can emulate (McFay, 2005). Society can also draw positive lessons from Jolie’s personal life.

The actress has adopted three children from three poor countries; that is, Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia. Her international adoptions teach people how to surpass cultural and geographical boundaries in order to unite the human race. These actions reflect the values of self sacrifice and care that others can imitate.

Role models do not have to be perfect; they only have to do their best in prevailing circumstances. Angelina Jolie has had a dark past since she experimented with drugs during her youth. Furthermore, the celebrity had shaky relationships in her 20s and 30s.

Other people also claim that her humanitarian work keeps her away from her 6 children. All these imperfections illustrate that she is only human, so they do not mirror her accomplishments.

Some celebrities inspire others through their career accomplishments, and Oprah Winfrey is one such person. Her world famous show highlighted numerous instances of goodwill and care for others. She defied numerous odds to become the richest African American in the US.

Oprah overcame child abuse, poverty and negativity to make it as a talk-show host (Avtalion, 1998). Furthermore, she has encouraged literacy through formation of her own book club. This media personality has also promoted health and fitness by launching O-Magazine as well as talking about health issues on her show. In fact, this emphasis on good health and nutrition led to Dr. Phil’s and Dr. Oz’s careers.

The latter professionals have spearheaded the fight against obesity, psychological issues and lifestyle diseases in the US. Furthermore, Oprah has taught people about the importance of spirituality. She has done this in a way that includes even the non-religious. Oprah’s role as a female entrepreneur is also inspiring to many.

The media guru used exceptional and bold tactics to buy the Oprah show and own her own network. She has created a franchise of inspirational programs and businesses. Young people can definitely look up to her when starting their careers. Many women also admire her as an influential figure in the business world.

Since celebrities make a lot of money, they can serve as examples on what to do with immense wealth, which makes them role models for others. Oprah has engaged in a lot of charitable activities. The former talk show host opened a South African Leadership Academy for underprivileged girls in 2007.

She started by donating 40 million to the charity and has given an opportunity to children who would never have gotten such a chance. Oprah has also made donations to various charities. One of the most notable ones was Project Cuddle, which focused on the plight of abandoned babies.

Furthermore, the media personality has encouraged and publicised various causes on her show and on other media outlets (Quast, 2011). Oprah’s example illustrates that celebrates can inspire others to use their wealth selflessly.

One may question a celebrity’s ability to become a role model based on his or her personal life. For instance, Oprah has never been married nor had children. Therefore, one may doubt her ability to act as a role model since families are society’s basic unit.

Celebrities have all the elements needed to become positive role models, hence explaining why most of them inspire others. Two female media personalities, Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey, have proved this assertion by their relentless drive in their careers and their philanthropic work.

Angelina’s values and use of her role as a media personality have inspired others. Oprah’s career accomplishments and charity work teach others how to be professionals and how to use their wealth selflessly.

These celebrities still have some flaws; nonetheless, their imperfections do not discredit all the positive work they have done. Celebrities’ lives are easily identifiable to the public and can thus make them good role models.

Allen-Mills, T. (2008). The other side of Angelina Jolie. The Sunday Times , p. 13.

Avtalion, O. (1998). Oprah Winfrey: A role model. The New York Times , p B8.

McFay, E. (2005). Angelina Jolie: Angel in disguise . California, LA: Icon Press.

Quast, L. (2011). What career women can learn from Oprah Winfrey. Forbes , p. 4.

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Bibliography

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Why Are Celebrities Good Role Models

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: July 28, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Self Improvement , Inspiration , Leadership , Society

Famous people are often admired by their fans. Not only can they influence the lives of their fans, but they’re always good role models to look up to. Sometimes celebrities can even be better role models than parents or teachers because they’re constantly being branded.

A Celebrity Is a Public Figure Who’s Usually Famous or Well-Known and Admired by People

Celebrities are famous or well-known people who’ve achieved fame in a particular field, such as acting, singing, dancing, sports, modeling, or politics.

They’re often in the public eye, which makes them more accessible, and they can use their fame to draw attention to issues or causes they believe in. A celebrity can also get involved in charities and fundraisers to help people who need help.

They’re Often Admired by Many People Because They’ve Worked Hard to Be Successful

Many celebrities work hard for their careers and make a lot of money because they’ve talents many people like to see on TV or in movies.

You may think celebrities are actors, artists, politicians, or athletes. But that’s not always the case! Celebrities can be anyone famous or well-known in the public eye (e.g., speakers, CEOs, influencers, etc.).

It’s important to know that celebrities can be both bad and good role models because everyone has their own mistakes, but sometimes you need someone to inspire you and motivate you on your life path, even if you make mistakes along the way!

A Good Role Model Is Someone You Look Up to and Who Inspires You to Become Like Them in the Future

There are many ways to define a role model, but usually, it’s someone who inspires you and teaches you something valuable. This can be anyone from your parents or grandparents to your friends, teachers or celebrities.

It’s Important to Have Role Models in Your Life Because They Help You Form a Picture of the Kind of Person You Want to Become

People often think that a celebrity can be a great example of how to live your life because they’ve it all figured out, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Celebrities are just people. They struggle with problems like anyone else, but sometimes they can’t talk about them publicly because they want their image to be perfect. Sometimes it’s easier for us to see celebrities as perfect than others because we don’t know them personally and don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors at home or on set.

Celebrities Are Often Strong Role Models, Especially for Young People

Celebrities are often strong role models, especially for young people. They can be powerful forces in our lives, giving us hope and inspiration. They can help us see the world through different eyes, learn about new ideas, and even help make a difference in our communities.

It’s not uncommon for people to say that the U.S. needs more positive role models like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai, Michael Jackson, Miley Cyrus, or Greta Thunberg. We need role models who show us how to become better people and give back to the world. People who inspire us to do more than just survive and make money – but to make a difference in the lives of others.

The truth is that everyone has the opportunity to be a role model – whether it’s your parents, grandparents, or teachers in school – we all have someone who looks up to us at some point in our lives. But with celebrities, there’s no direct connection, so we choose what we want to see.

Why Celebrities Are So Influential

The world is changing, and people want to follow the voices that speak to them. Celebrities have always inspired many people, but nowadays, they also show their vulnerability and discuss their psychological problems. They show that they’re real people, making them likable.

They Live Their Lives in the Spotlight, and So It’s No Wonder That They Can Reach Millions of People With a Single Post on Instagram or Twitter

We live in a world where everyone struggles with something, and we all want someone who understands us. Celebrities can show us that they’re human too because they’ve been through the same thing as us, or at least something similar.

Nowadays, celebrities also show their vulnerability. They’re influential because they show that they’re real people.

They talk openly about their mental health issues, like famous singer and actress Lady Gaga, who told Oprah Winfrey about her mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or Kylie Jenner, who published an emotional post on social media about her constant struggle with anxiety.

Celebrities Are Good Role Models Because They Can Inspire Many People to Take Action

Many celebrities have become more environmentally friendly and use their fame to encourage others to do the same. They’re also known for taking care of their health and physical fitness by exercising regularly and eating healthy.

More celebrity role models are becoming involved in charitable causes in their communities or worldwide by volunteering for non-governmental organizations or organizing fundraisers for people who need help with medical bills or food donations.

Some celebrities also speak out on political issues close to their hearts. These celebrities may even use their celebrity to raise awareness about important issues such as poverty, discrimination, or injustice.

They Can Set a Positive Example for Young People to Follow

Celebrities are essential to our culture, and we often look to them as role models. Depending on who they emulate, this can be a great thing or a terrible thing.

On one hand, it’s great that people look up to celebrities and want to be like them. On the other hand, it can hurt young people’s futures if these celebrities aren’t positive examples for them.

The good news is that many celebrities strive to be positive role models for the youth. They can set a positive example for young people and help them gain self-confidence while they’re young.

When a Celebrity Has a Bad Influence on Young People, It Can Have Disastrous Consequences

When a celebrity negatively influences kids and young people, it can have disastrous consequences. Just because celebrities are on a pedestal doesn’t mean they should be considered a positive influence.

Just Like Any Other Person, a Celebrity Can Be a Bad Role Model for the Youth

Some of the most famous role models are known for their bad behavior, such as violence and substance abuse, which can be a disaster not only for their mental health but also for the mental health of their young fans if they follow their celebrity role model.

Unfortunately, Some Kids and Young People Look Up to These Stars and Try to Emulate Them by Copying Their Actions and Beliefs

They use them as an excuse for why they do things that aren’t good for them or society as a whole. For example, in today’s pop culture, some celebrities are known for easily losing their temper, which makes young people think it’s okay.

Another example of how celebrities can negatively influence the youth is when they use swear words in public or advertise certain products just for the sake of money. Kids and young people who idolize these celebrities often copy their behavior by swearing around their friends or siblings just because they see their favorite celebrity doing it on TV, on social media, or in online videos.

Celebrities Have Their Role Models, Too!

You should also remember that celebrities aren’t the only ones who can be role models. They can also be a source of inspiration for other celebrities or be influenced by others.

We all know how much influence celebrities have on our lives, but sometimes it’s easy to forget that they also look up to others. Many of them were inspired by their childhood heroes.

Celebrities don’t always pick their role models at random. Some grew up seeing them on TV or social media and admired them as children. Others became fans after meeting them in person or learning about their accomplishments through the media. And some celebrities even had parents who were famous before them!

Famous people are often admired by people for their good qualities. They can positively impact society if they take their role seriously.

Role Models Don’t Have to Be Celebrities

When looking for a role model, it’s essential to understand that your role model doesn’t have to be someone famous. Your role model can be anyone who inspires you and makes you feel good about yourself. It can be someone who inspires you because he or she’s successful in his or her career or has overcome challenges in life.

Some people look up to celebrities as role models, but if your role model isn’t a celebrity, that’s fine! The most important thing is to find someone who inspires you and makes him or her your role model.

I’ve several people I look up to and admire – including my mentors, my life partner, and people I’ve met while traveling – and there are also celebrities I admire, like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Lutherking Jr.

For me, it’s not important whether someone is famous or not, but whether he’s done a good thing for the world and whether I can learn from him or her.

Pros and Cons of Celebrity Role Models

Last updated by nicolas desjardins on 21 april 2022.

Table of Contents

As with everything in life, celebrities are often not what they seem to be on the surface. By choosing the right celebrity role model, you can learn positive values that will help make you into a better person over time. On the other hand, there are plenty of celebrity role models whose lives are highly irresponsible and not worth imitating, so it’s important to make sure you pick the right one before spending too much time on them.

This article covers both sides of celebrity role models to help you make an informed decision about which ones to spend your time on and which ones to avoid completely.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Madison LeCroy (@madison.lecroy)

What Is a Celebrity Role Model?

We all know that to be successful, we must look up to our role models. We are taught from a young age that we should try to emulate our heroes so we can be like them. But with more celebrities being arrested for drug charges and other bad things, there is some debate on whether or not it’s okay to look up to celebrities as role models.

Some celebrities qualify as celebrity role models even though they may be considered controversial by others. The most important thing anyone needs to keep in mind when determining if their hero is worthy of their respect and admiration lies in his/her actions and morals.

Why Do People Look Up to Celebrities?

People turn to celebrities for lots of reasons: They might want to know what certain people are doing that makes them so successful, or they may just feel inspired by a celebrity’s story. Whatever their reason, many people look up to famous people as role models.

While some celebrities are worthy of emulation, others may not be worth your admiration. Read on for tips on figuring out who you should try to emulate and who you should probably look at more critically.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Celebrity Role Models?

Many celebrities have become role models for people who look up to them. However, there are many pros and cons to using celebrities as role models. Below are both sides of these arguments, depending on how they affect society.

Pros of Celebrity Role Models

It’s worth taking a look at celebrity role models. For starters, celebrities are appealing to many consumers since they have already succeeded in their industries. If you idolize someone who has made it big in their chosen field, that can motivate you to do whatever it takes to reach similar levels of success. The following are the pros of celebrity role models .

1.   Celebrities Are More Approachable

There’s something about celebrities that makes them seem more real. The reason why people go to watch movies starring their favorite celebrities is to get a glimpse into their lives – through gossip sites, tabloid magazines, social media pages.

There’s a certain connection that we feel towards celebrities; after all, they are only human. We tend to relate to them better than with our teachers, our bosses, or politicians because it is easier for us to imagine that we can be like them.

2.   Celebrities Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Yes, many celebrities have done positive things for diversity by raising awareness about different issues that plague our society, such as racism. Celebrities can be effective in helping people understand other cultures or lifestyles that are not necessarily similar to their own.

However, if we’re using them as role models to create social change then we must also acknowledge that celebrities can take advantage of their positions as well.

3.   Celebrities Show Us Our Potential in Life

The biggest positive aspect of celebrities is that they demonstrate our potential in life. Many people look up to celebrities as role models. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but we can still accomplish great things if we put our minds to them.

They are also the relatable type of person who happens to be famous.  No matter what social class or race you may belong to, there will always be someone you can relate to and get inspiration from. Celebrities show us that with determination and hard work anything is possible in life.

4.   They Are Creative with Their Looks

Celebrities are indeed super creative with their looks. Each celebrity has a distinctive personality, so they all have different ways to display themselves. Some like to wear make-up while others will show their natural skin.

There is no set standard when it comes to how you should look to be seen as beautiful by other people in society. They can inspire us to be creative with our looks instead of copying what everyone else does.

Cons of Celebrity Role Models

One problem with celebrity role models is that they are celebrities. No one is perfect, celebrities included. We admire them for their fame, talent, beauty, and skill.

They appear to have a perfect life; they are rich , famous , healthy – more than any of us can ever dream to be. But in reality, celebs are people too. They have all of those same faults that we do and sometimes worse.

1.   Celebrity Role Models Can Create False Expectations

Some people view celebrity role models as perfect, but they’re often far from it. For instance, even stars who’ve publicly admitted to having troubles with addiction, are held up by some young people as flawless examples. Reality is far from that image; any celebrities have made headlines for behaving recklessly or breaking laws.

2.   Celebrities Are Not a Guarantee for Success

Yes, many celebrities started from humble beginnings, but that does not mean they will lead us down a path to fame and fortune. Celebrities are human beings just like us – we can learn many things from them, but fame is subjective. Some celebs were born for it; others got lucky, therefore you should never count on other people for your success. You cannot assume what works for someone else will work for you. Instead, follow your dreams and achieve your success.

3.   Celebrities Are Still Real People with Real Problems

Celebrities have a huge amount of power, but they’re still real people with real problems. Some have low self-esteem just like many normal people; others struggle with drug abuse or negative emotions. Don’t forget that your favorite celebrity has a life just like you do—and it isn’t as perfect as it seems on television.

4.   You never know their whole story

Celebrities often have PR teams, managers, and legal firms to run interference between them and their fans. Even if a celebrity doesn’t consciously want to mislead their audience, they can’t share their entire story because they’re actively trying to be someone else.

Bottom Line

While there are many negative aspects to being a celebrity role model, you mustn’t simply throw all celebrities under the bus. This world would be far less interesting without some of our favorite famous figures. But if you look hard enough, there are plenty of good qualities to take away from these people.

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I’ve been writing articles for more than 10 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I’m currently writing for many websites and newspaper. All my ideas come from my very active lifestyle. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. In all my years as computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. I believe that any information should be free, we want to know more every day because we learn everyday. You can contact me on our forum or by email at: [email protected] .

winner winner · 28 February 2022 at 1h39

Nicolas Desjardins, thank you for posting such helpful articles. I was struggling on this subject, fortunately, I just came across your site which has just given me ideal ideas for my presentation. Thumbs up to you

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Are Celebrities Good Role Models for Teens?

Throughout adolescence, your teenage son or daughter will go through the process of developing their identity, and they may feel they found that in a celebrity, influencer, movie star, rapper, or other notable figure. They may look up to these famous people to help them determine their own values, goals, beliefs, style, and more. As a parent, you may wonder, “Are these celebrities good role models for my teen?” 

Table of contents

How can kids be fans but not lose themselves   , are celebrities good role models  , negative ways celebrities can influence teens  , positive ways celebrities can influence teens , how to help your teen distinguish between useful and damaging role models , staying plugged into the celebrities your teen is following .

Jeana Thomsen, executive director at New Haven , a residential treatment center in Utah, explained why teens may be drawn to those who are famous and in the public eye. 

“Often, celebrities have large followings, and teenagers feel part of something.”  

By being a fan of a celebrity or well-known figure, your son or daughter may feel like they’re a part of a community and may establish connections with other fans. In theory, this could fuel a deeper influence on your teen, as the more connected they feel, the more that celebrity may affect the development of their identity. 

One way to help teenagers be fans without losing themselves is to encourage them to engage in activities outside of social media and fandom.  

“If they’re busy with other things, they feel good about activities they’re engaged in, and they feel successful in other endeavors, they’ll be less likely to need belonging and validation from liking or imitating a celebrity,” Thomsen said.  

She also recommended supporting healthy, real-life relationships with family and friends to negate some of social media’s effects on teens . If they’re engaged with others, they’ll be more likely to have a balanced view of celebrities. 

“Yes and no,” Thomsen said in response to this question. She explained that some celebrities can be positive role models, especially when they serve as mental health advocates and activists for critical issues, using their platform to create awareness, foster acceptance, and encourage action.  

“Some celebrities have causes that are important to them that can be healthy for teenagers.”  

She pointed to examples of body positivity and conservationism. Celebrity mental health advocates and those who’ve gone through recovery like Selena Gomez , Ariana Grande , and Michael Phelps are also helping break the stigma around mental illness, prioritizing their mental health and seeking treatment. Recently, the Olympics and other notable competitions have brought the issue of professional and student-athlete mental health to the forefront. 

What other celebrities are good role models? Those famous for taking a stand, such as environmental activist Greta Thunberg, gun control activist David Hogg, and female education activist Malala Yousafzai, can have a positive influence by encouraging teens to organize around the issues they care about that have social and personal value. 

However, some celebrities can be bad role models.  

“Other times, celebrities are open about using substances and showcase that on social media, which can influence teenagers in an unhealthy way,” Thomsen said.  

Examples of bad role models include influencers like RiceGum, who’s posted offensive content, and Jake Paul, who’s faced sexual assault allegations.  

The Influence of Celebrities 

Whether celebrities are good or bad role models, they can influence your teen’s identity, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Those who flaunt their status may influence young people to value superficial aspects of their lives like brand names and their image. Influencers and celebrities who share edited or unrealistic images could affect a young person’s self-esteem and self-image, leading to body dysmorphia (a body image disorder) and eating disorders in teens . 

• Normalizing behaviors like smoking or substance use .  
• Promoting violent or criminal behavior like vandalism, fighting, or driving under the influence. 
• Modeling poor decisions around relationships or sex. 
• Promoting dedication to hard work. 
• Modeling how to positively handle situations when they make mistakes. 
• Talking openly about mental health issues. 

The good news is you can help your teen understand the difference between the positive behaviors, values, and attitudes of those who influence them and the negative ones. 

If you want to help guide your teen in understanding the influence these figures may have over behavior, attitudes, values, and other aspects of their life and identity, you need to first have a strong connection with your son or daughter. This means focusing on trust, empathy, reciprocity, vulnerability, and healthy intimacy between you and your teenager.  

“Teens are more willing to listen to someone who they know loves them,” Thomsen said. “Once they know this, it becomes easier to have conversations about this with them.” 

Once there’s an established connection, she suggested saying something to the effect of “I’ve noticed you paying a lot of attention to (insert celebrity). Tell me what you like about them.”  

Once you’ve asked the question, actively listen to the response.  

“This works a lot better than saying, ‘I’m concerned about the people you’re following on social media,’” Thomsen said.  

You still might have concerns, but you need to seek understanding before lecturing or trying to change their mind. 

Are celebrities good role models for your teen? They may be mental health advocates or influential activists for important issues, or they may be promoting drug or substance use, an unrealistic body image, or materialistic standards. The only way you’ll know is if you understand who’s influencing your teenager. 

To that end, Thomsen recommended that parents have access to their children’s phones. She recognized that every family will handle this differently. 

“Some parents manage the passwords on their children’s phones so that they can log in anytime and check things. Other parents require that they can follow their children on social media. Many parents use parental controls that don’t allow their children to download apps without permission, which helps them keep an eye on what’s going on.”  

While setting boundaries around cellphone usage is a critical step, your relationship with your teen is just as important.  

“Staying connected and keeping the lines of communication open are essential,” Thomsen said. 

Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today !  

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Are celebrities actually good enough to be role models for teenagers?

Favorite Quote: "A writer must never be short of ideas." -Gabriel Agreste- (Fictional character- Miraculous)

Throughout teenagehood, we, adolescents, undergo a process of discovering our own identity. We might feel that we have found our identity in a celebrity or an influencer or any public figure. We look up to those notable figures to help ourselves to develop our own values, dreams, styles, thoughts and more.

These notable figures are often adored by their fans. They can not only influence their fans but also become role models for teenagers to look up to; even better than teachers, parents and other acquaintances because they are in the spotlight, inevitably being branded.

But, are celebrities actually good enough to be role models for teenagers? Most of the time, celebrities are pretty positive role models, especially for adolescents. They help to see the world through different points of view and give hope and inspire people to make a difference in their communities.

Some celebrities can be good role models because they advocate for mental health and critical issues and encourage action. For example, Demi Lovato became a voice for people with mental issues like eating disorders, anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder and more through the documentary 'Demi Lovato: Stay Strong' and the book 'Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year'. Demi also tried to help raise awareness about mental issues through social media.

Michael B. Jordan helped break the stigma around mental illness. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he acknowledged the mental health issues in black communities and the stigma surrounding them. As a role model to many African American teenagers, his support for the issue helped to create a positive outlook.

Some celebrities including Lizzo and Rihanna lead body positivity moments, prioritising self-love. Rihanna leads the way by making sure her fashion lines are size-inclusive, having diverse people with diverse body types in her runway shows. Lizzo is pretty famous for her songs which celebrate inclusivity and also her on-stage performances, especially her 2019 MTV VMA performance where she danced alongside plus-sized female dancers.

Meanwhile, climate change is rising and some celebrities are well-renowned for taking a stand against it. Leonardo DiCaprio established Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 which focuses on tragic environmental issues, restoring vital ecosystems and protecting endangered species. Not only did his foundation donate $1 Million to protect Nepal’s Wild tiger population in 2010, but also it has funded several projects in more than 50 countries worldwide. As an actor, he has used film to raise awareness. A documentary on global warming 'The 11th Hour' was co-written and produced by him, raising $40 Million, and becoming a highly-grossing environment charity event.

Considering all these examples and most of the positive outlooks created by other amazing celebrities, it’s not wrong to say that celebrities are positive role models for us, teenagers, to look up to and be the change. We need role models who show us how to become better versions of ourselves. Everyone has the opportunity to be that role model like our parents, teachers and other acquaintances. But unlike our acquaintances, we do not directly connect with our celebrities so we choose what is within the limits of our vision without judging them. Finally yet importantly, what is to be reminded is, to get the good out of your role models and leave the bad.

So, most teenagers look up to celebrities as their role models. But, if your role model is not a celebrity or a notable public figure, it does not matter. What is most paramount is to find someone who inspires you to change and helps you discover who you truly are underneath.

I have various people who I admire including but not restricted to, my family members and people I’ve met while socialising. There are also celebrities I admire, like Delta Goodrem, Nelson Mandela, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Ava Max, Lionel Messi and Princess Kako of Akishino. According to my personal view, my role models don't have to be popular. What is important to me is whether I can learn from them and whether they can make me live and experience my life better.

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Celebrity, youth culture and the question of role models

Senior Lecturer in Media and Performance, University of Salford

Disclosure statement

Kirsty Fairclough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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The recent 2015 MTV Video Music Awards event was notable – not for the recognition of award recipients, but for the public spat between host Miley Cyrus and hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj.

Whether real or staged, the hurling of insults and aggressive behaviour dominated mainstream press coverage of the ceremony surely much to the delight of MTV.

Both Minaj and Cyrus are known for courting controversy and have been criticised for being “bad” role models for young people, particularly girls and young women. But what if the mainstream media considered that young people actually use incidents such as this and celebrity culture in a wider sense in a whole host of complex ways to negotiate their identities?

A well-publicised survey of UK parents with children under ten years old voted both Cyrus and Minaj as the worst role models for their daughters. This came even before the recent spat.

The dislike of Minaj and Cyrus appears to be centred on their penchant for dressing provocatively and being outspoken about their sexuality. In predictable contrast, the Duchess of Cambridge was considered the most positive influence on young girls. The worst male offenders were musicians and performers Kanye West, Justin Bieber and former One Direction band member Zayn Malik.

Obsessed with celebrity

Discourse in this vein is not a new phenomenon. Musicians and performers have long been considered to influence young people in negative ways. In the 21st century, the impact of celebrity culture on society, especially on young people, has come under scrutiny.

Are today’s youth obsessed with celebrity? Is this detrimental to society? Can celebrities ever have a positive influence on young people? Does celebrity culture really matter? These are complex and plural questions to which there are few, if any, concrete answers. However, what is routinely ignored in mainstream media is young people’s sense of agency.

Much of the research and commentary surrounding such questions is centred on how celebrity culture may impact upon health and well being in terms of eating disorders or mental health issues.

The rise and dominance of social media sites such as Instagram and their links to the glorification of “super-skinny” celebrities have been cited as influences in the rise of eating disorders in young people.

The British Psychological Society recently said experts warned that youngsters are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with images permeating from a celebrity culture in which thin bodies are celebrated, larger ones are ridiculed and children are sexualised.

Sense of identity

It is logical to suggest that continual exposure to celebrity culture impacts in negative ways on some young people’s senses of identity. This may well affect health and well being, but how this happens and to what degree is incredibly complex. We must also consider the ways in which the media choose to present rather narrow ideas about how celebrities – particularly female ones – should behave and how they should look.

Those whose behaviour falls outside of these narrow ideas are often condemned as being wayward, controversial and difficult. Indeed young people may well negotiate their own gendered identities through the celebrity and by talking about them with their peers. The Celeb Youth project in the United Kingdom is an excellent example of much needed academic research into the field of celebrity and identity. It focused on the influence of celebrities in the construction of young people’s aspirations.

What is omitted from the media conversation about celebrities as role models is that many young people are more than capable of making informed, intelligent choices about which celebrities they follow and are becoming increasingly aware of the ways in which the media positions celebrities against each other in terms of race and class.

Young people may connect with those that they feel best represent them as well as those that do not. Indeed, it is also fair to suggest that many young people have no interest in celebrity culture at all.

It is the active and complex use of celebrity culture by young people to negotiate the world around them that is often lost in favour of sweeping generalisations about negative impacts. Perhaps rather than eliminating celebrity culture from the classroom, it could be used productively and constructively to allow young people to make sense of the world they are growing up in.

• Miley Cyrus
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Why Celebrities Should Be a Positive Role Model

Living within a culture that values fame and stardom, celebrities enjoy followership, attention, and admiration from their fans. It is not surprising that the appreciation of a famous person’s work may expand to include interest in their lifestyle and the desire to emulate it. Coincidentally, it is often the most pliable, impressionable people – children, adolescents, and young adults – who make up the majority of celebrity fanbases. In their blind adoration for a favorite star and during the life period where finding mentorship is of high importance, they often choose celebrities as role models. The question arises as to whether famous people should indeed have a responsibility to lead by a good example or be allowed the freedom to make any choices, no matter how morally questionable they are. This essay argues that while legally, celebrities have the right to live their lives as they see fit, from a moral standpoint, they should be aware of their leverage and use it to meet higher ends.

One of the reasons why celebrities should pay attention to their image and reputation now more than ever is the rise of social media. Previously, even though celebrities were in the limelight of public attention, the speed at which the information would spread was slow. Readers and viewers only had news highlights, occasional documentaries, and magazine stories to learn about their idols. The Internet and social media changed the situation dramatically as now a single post can gain millions of views in a matter of hours. At the same time, fans now become even more intimate witnesses to the previously private parts of celebrities’ lives. This level of access is only one click away, which explains their massive followership. According to Clement (2019), the most popular Instagram accounts belong to celebrities. The football player Cristiano Ronaldo is followed by 238 million people, the pop singer Ariana Grande – 203 million, and the makeup mogul Kylie Jenner – 196 million. Famous people have never been as visible as they are today, which gives them an unprecedented amount of leverage.

Furthermore, researchers observe record social media use rates among young people who, as explained previously, are the most impressionable and malleable demographic. Clement (2019) reports that the majority of the global Internet users who use social media to keep up with and follow celebrities are young people. On the Internet, celebrities reach a whopping 72% of users aged 16-24 and 64% of individuals between 25 and 34 years old. Aside from teenagers’ inclination to seek role models, such figures can also be explained by the demographic’s increased activity on social media as compared to people in other age groups. Orben (2020) synthesizes evidence gathered over the last ten years and reports that between 69 and 90% of teenagers aged 13-17 have at least one social media account. While the healthy recreational screen time is no more than two hours, teens easily spend up to seven hours per day on their gadgets (Orben, 2020). Taking all these points into consideration, it is safe to assume that it is young people who celebrities reach on the Internet the most.

The youth of today does not just admire celebrities – they are seeking to mimic their habits and adopt their values. Young people are not yet set in their ways, and as they do the necessary soul-searching, it is the lifestyle of the rich and famous that often becomes their North star. In part, this process is natural as the onset of puberty is often marked with a young person’s departure, if not an active rejection of their parent’s authority. While youth turn to peers for approval, they choose celebrities as the often unattainable but desired ideal. Gergely (2017) discusses this phenomenon from the standpoint of the social learning theory put forward by the renowned psychologist Bandura. According to the social learning theory, a person acquires new behaviors through observing and imitating others (Gergely, 2017). Among other things, observational learning is persistent due to its efficiency and “time effectiveness.” As Gergely (2017) puts it, an observation often occurs instead of experimentation. Thus, youth lives vicariously through celebrities and may later make similar choices if they are happy with the perceived outcomes of their lifestyle.

Having said that, it is important to note that celebrities are responsible for the normalization of many behaviors that may have been perceived as unusual or unwanted some time ago. It is not a secret that celebrities set beauty trends that their followers, especially females, try to emulate. Such trends range from innocuous such as nail design or haircuts to extremely invasive, potentially unhealthy, and posing a danger to one’s mental and physical health. Jung and Hwang (2016) find that North American female mass media consumers are especially vulnerable to social “crazes.” The researchers name TV shows such as Keeping Up With the Kardashians and its stars as some of the most influential trendsetters. In the absence of any tangible talent, they are known for their endless beauty transformations and surgical enhancements, which is interpreted by viewers as a predisposition, if not key, to success.

From the standpoint of the social learning theory, their viewers do socialize through TV stars. They take note of rewards and punishments following particular choices and behaviors. For instance, the family’s youngest member, Kylie Jenner, came into prominence after using the infamous lip fillers to give her lips a fuller look (Jung & Hwang, 2016). Though the makeup mogul denied all accusations, it soon became obvious that she owed her makeover to cosmetic interventions. Jung and Hwang (2016) cite a source that reports a 50% increase in lip filler requests from cosmetology clients. Similarly, the number of buttock lifts surged by 86%, potentially owing its popularity to some of the Kardashian family members. In other words, celebrities inspire fans to pursue their fabricated ideas and resort to making unnecessary changes, some of which may as well be permanent.

Indeed, celebrities’ influence has not only an immediate but also a long-term effect on many aspects of society. In recent years, celebrities have become more political than ever, especially in highly polarized Democratic countries such as the United States. If previously, entertainers chose to only speak out about their art, fashion choices, and personal life, today they make bold statements and are not afraid to share their views. Furthermore, those who abstain from making their position clear may be labeled apathetic and indifferent. It seems that celebrities have the potential to make a difference in the political arena: 11% of people admit that their endorsement can influence their choice of candidates (Zilinsky et al., 2020). Zilinsky et al. (2020) discovered that celebrities’ political endorsement did not lower followers’ engagement. Fans were not annoyed with political posts – it is quite the opposite. As observed by Zilinsky et al. (2020), political messages either cheerleading one candidate or criticize the other would lead to a surge in reposts. To recapitulate, celebrities do impact their fans’ political choices, which, in turn, shapes the political situation on a larger scale.

One should point out that celebrities’ influence is not inherently positive or negative as the only definite fact is its undeniable existence. While previously, this essay focused on the rather dismal side of the celebrity culture, it is important to counterweight it with the positive examples of famous people being role models. Bridging the gaps of social inequalities is one of the things that celebrities can and should do by either directly contributing to a cause or existing as a lived example of overcoming adversity. In their paper, Adamson and Kelan (2019) focus on the issue of gender equality and, in particular, poor female representation in the business field. The scholars single out women who they refer to as “female heroes.” Their key characteristics are their “confidence to jump over gendered barriers, control in managing these barriers, and courage to push through them (Adamson & Kelan, 2019, p. 986).” According to Adamson and Kelan (2019), the same leadership behaviors in men and women are interpreted differently. The autobiographical narratives of female executives can give girls the perceived permission to act out their ambitions. Undoubtedly, when given such enormous leverage, celebrities should utilize it to meet higher ends and address meaningful causes.

Surely, one may say that celebrities are not the main agents of socialization, and therefore, their influence may be so minuscule, it might as well be negligible. This statement is not completely wrong as people and systems do influence the lives of young people to a varying degree. The social learning theory presents a hierarchy in which family and community are seen as the most influential, followed by the peer group, and only then by agents such as the media. However, what should not be overlooked is the rise of the media and stardom in the last two decades as compared to the time when the social learning theory was first introduced. Gergely (2017) provides supporting evidence for this claim as well as highlights the importance of role models for teenagers. The researcher reports that between 2012 and 2016, the share of teenagers that had a person that they held as ideal increased from roughly 50% to 75%. One-third of participants named a celebrity, which included athletes, singers, actors, models, and others, as their role models. Therefore, while the media is not the only influence, its leverage cannot be dismissed.

Another popular rebuttal to the points made in this essay is the appeal to autonomy and self-agency in humans. Truly, being an independent thinker is a rewarding path to choose and a protective factor against many harmful decisions. Fans of celebrities have the freedom to decide for themselves whether they want to blindly follow the trends or be their people. To a certain degree, this argument is solid, and yet, it dismisses an important fact grounded in biological reality. Sherman et al. (2018) argue that the teenage and young adult brain cannot be compared to the brain of a more mature person. In particular, scholars point out that the younger adolescent brain is highly sensitive to affect and reward processing. Youth react more sharply to social rewards and cultural cues and let them drive their behavior and moderate their decision-making. These processes are inevitable because such social learning and attunement to one’s surroundings are important for transitioning into adulthood. Hence, young fans can exert control over themselves only to a certain extent, leaving them vulnerable to the dangers of toxic celebrity culture.

The logical question arises as to how much autonomy celebrities should have to make personal choices. It is argued that behind their public mask, they are humans like everyone else and should have the right to live their lives as they see fit. Surely, by law, they are granted such freedoms: they can marry, buy property, start and end careers, develop businesses, and do many other things. However, the situation becomes much more nuanced and complex than that when celebrities make a profit off or cause harm by telling lies or misrepresenting products or services. For example, some time ago, weight loss tea was largely advertised on Instagram by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Iggy Azalea, Cardi B, and a few others. They insisted on the miraculous effects of the beverage and the effortless weight loss. In the meantime, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2015) warns consumers against such products, stating that they are primarily diuretics and laxatives with a host of side effects. Thus, celebrities’ rights should end where regular people’s rights begin, and those are the rights to truthful and complete information.

Lastly, the negative impact of celebrity culture is not occasional, local, or sporadic. It is profound, and it shapes society in such ways that consequences are hard to overcome. Srivastava et al. (2018) name mass media as one of the key drivers behind the mental health crisis in the West. Celebrities show the idealized version of their life that is not attainable nor even existing in the real world. By comparing themselves to celebrities, regular people may develop inadequate expectations of themselves, careers, relationships, and the world on the whole. In turn, depression and anxiety are social ills that hurt economic growth, the integrity of communities, and put a heavy burden on health care. To think, celebrities are not only setting trends in beauty and fashion – they are among those who steer the direction in which society evolves or regresses.

Rising to prominence means increased public scrutiny where every personal choice a celebrity makes, be it family, financial, social, or political, receives wide media coverage. Due to the rise of social media, regular people become an almost intimate witnesses to the inner workings of a celebrity’s life well beyond their artistry and official public appearances. It is not surprising that fans adopt celebrities’ values, try to emulate their lifestyle, and even have medical procedures to look like their idols. Famous people’s influence extends to political and social matters as now they more openly endorse or criticize candidates. Coincidentally, it is the most pliable and sensitive demographic – teenagers and young adults – who are reached and affected by celebrities the most. Given the leverage that famous people have over the future generation, they need to take more responsibility for the image they are translating and the values they promote. Their freedom to self-expression ends where the rights of their followers begin, and the latter deserves to receive reliable information and stay in good mental and physical health.

Adamson, M., & Kelan, E. K. (2019). ‘ Female heroes’: Celebrity executives as postfeminist role models . British Journal of Management , 30 (4), 981-996.

Clement, J. (2019). Share of internet users worldwide who use social media to keep up with and follow celebrities as of 1st quarter 2018, by age group . Statista. 

Gergely, O. (2017). The beautiful stranger – Szekler teenagers’ role models . Acta Universitatis Sapientiae Communicatio, 4 , 93–107.

Jung, J., & Hwang, C. S. (2016). Associations between attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, celebrity worship, and body image among South Korean and US female college students. Fashion and Textiles , 3 (1), 1-14. Web.

Sherman, L. E., Greenfield, P. M., Hernandez, L. M., & Dapretto, M. (2018). Peer influence via Instagram: Effects on brain and behavior in adolescence and young adulthood . Child development , 89 (1), 37–47.

Orben, A. (2020). Teenagers, screens and social media: A narrative review of reviews and key studies. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 1-8. Web.

Srivastava, K., Chaudhury, S., Bhat, P. S., & Mujawar, S. (2018). Media and mental health. Industrial psychiatry Journal , 27 (1), 1–5. Web.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015). Beware of products promising miracle weight loss. Web.

Zilinsky, J., Vaccari, C., Nagler, J., & Tucker, J. A. (2020). Don’t Republicans tweet too? Using Twitter to assess the consequences of political endorsements by celebrities . Perspectives on Politics , 18 (1), 144-160.

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• How Celebrities Influence Teens and Why it Matters

• Empowering Teens

For better or worse, celebrities have a powerful impact on how teens view themselves and how they see the world. In fact, it’s easy to underestimate how much celebrities influence teenage attitudes and behavior.

Celebrities can have a positive influence on youth. In fact, they can serve as role models. But famous people, whether they’re singers, actors, and other celebrities, can also provide unhealthy examples. In particular, celebrity influence on body image and substance use is often detrimental to teen mental state. This has led to an unprecedented need for adolescent mental health treatment across the country.

Teenagers need guidance on how to interpret celebrities’ influence. Adults can engage with kids around media. In addition, they, therefore, support how children process what they’re seeing and hearing. Moreover, parents and teachers can use celebrities’ stories as entry points into important discussions about health and personal choices.

The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image

Research shows that teen body image is shaped by many factors. These include friends and family, where the teen lives, and their cultural background. However, celebrity images have a profound impact on teen body image.

The Today Show and aol.com collaborated on the “Ideal to Real” body image survey . As a result, the survey found that 80 percent of teen girls compare themselves to images they see of celebrities. Moreover, among those girls, almost half said that celebrity images make them feel dissatisfied with the way they look.

Therefore, appearance is among teenagers’ top concerns, teen girls in particular. In her book  Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World , author Lisa Bloom reveals that 25 percent of young adult women in the US would rather win America’s Next Top Model than the Nobel Peace Prize.

How Celebrities Influence Teen Eating Disorders

Why does celebrity influence on teen body image matter? Because body dissatisfaction is linked to mental health challenges, including eating disorders, depression , anxiety , and low self-esteem. Studies find that young women who consume media with many images of an unrealistic “thin ideal” are more likely to exhibit symptoms of disordered eating . In addition, the Girl Scouts Research Institute found that nearly half of girls ages 13 to 17 wish they were as skinny as the models in fashion magazines.

Celebrity influencers play into this trend when they document their extreme diets or use language that can be triggering for those with eating disorders—such as when the entertainer Kim Kardashian recently expressed gratitude for being told she “looks anorexic.” News outlets covered a conversation between the Kardashians and the backlash it spawned. When celebrities minimize the severity of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, or endorse taking unhealthy products to suppress appetite, they are emulating dysfunction.

Furthermore, for celebrities that are as exploited for their physical bodies as often as the Kardashian family is, they are shirking an opportunity to reframe the narrative around healthy weight. Hence, teens are told that looking skinny defines your worth. This messaging is superficial, heartbreaking for many, and can be deadly for those who suffer with life-threatening eating disorders.

And it’s not just teen girls who are affected. Research shows that young men also experience body dissatisfaction and depression as a result of viewing media images. And this body dissatisfaction can lead to unhealthy, excessive exercising among male teens.

Positive Celebrity Influence on Teen Body Image

However, some celebrities influence the body-image discussion for the better. For example, the singer Lorde called out a Photoshopped image of herself on Twitter. She noted that one photo showed her with “perfect” skin while the other was real. “Remember, flaws are ok,” she tweeted.

Other celebrities, including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Melissa McCarthy, and Jennifer Lawrence have spoken out against the ideals of beauty promoted by the entertainment and fashion industries.

“You shouldn’t be pressured into trying to be thin by the fashion industry, because they only want models that are like human mannequins. You have to remember that it’s not practical or possible for an everyday woman to look like that. It’s not realistic and it’s not healthy.” —Rihanna

Substance Use and Celebrity Influence s

Celebrities influence teens in other ways as well. When stars post images of themselves drinking or smoking on social media, they normalize substance use. Furthermore, they make it appear attractive and cool. This is one way that social media can have a negative impact on teen mental health .

Moreover, teens often idolize celebrities and want to be like them. Therefore, if they see images on Instagram of a favorite singer or actor using drugs or drinking, they might be tempted to do so as well.

For example, a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study looked at teenagers who frequently listen to music that contains references to marijuana. Subsequently, they found that these teens are more likely to use the drug than teens with less exposure to such lyrics.

In addition, for every hour that American teens listen to music, they hear more than three references to different brand names of alcohol. Researchers say that this might contribute to teen drinking. In addition, researchers at Dartmouth Medical School found that movie characters who smoke cigarettes influence teens to try smoking. Therefore, media influence on youth can contribute to risk-taking behaviors.

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Celebrities Can Raise Awareness and Reduce Stigma

Many celebrities are open about their struggles with addiction and mental health. As a result, they help to reduce stigma and raise awareness. For example, before reportedly entering rehab after an apparent drug overdose earlier this summer, Demi Lovato released a song about relapse, titled “Sober.” Consequently, the song inspired young people nationwide to open up about their substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Lovato has struggled for years with drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders . While her recovery continues, her song helped increase understanding around relapse and addiction. For many people, relapse is part of the recovery journey. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to address the underlying issues and build better coping strategies.

In addition, pop star singer Ariana Grande has been frank about her battle with PTSD and anxiety following a bombing at a concert venue while she was performing. Moreover, the model Bella Hadid has shared about her social anxiety. And England’s Prince Harry has spoken publicly about the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana. Subsequently, he and Prince William formed the Heads Together initiative . The project tackles stigma, raises awareness, and provides help for people with mental health challenges.

These are just a few of the many celebrities who have shared their struggles with the world. As a result, celebrities influence the public’s understanding of these issues.

How to Talk to Teens About Celebrity Influence

How does media influence teens? Because pop culture plays such a big role in teens’ lives, celebrities influence the way teens think and what they talk about. Therefore, parents can use celebrities’ experiences as avenues for talking about sensitive subjects.

Thus, celebrity anorexia cases offer opportunities to talk to teens about how dangerous the “thin ideal” can be. And they can discuss healthy ways to stay fit and eat well. Moreover, stars who speak out about coping with mental illnesses demonstrate that people with such diagnoses can be successful and happy.

Parents might ask teens what they admire about the stars they follow. What qualities do they want to emulate? Perhaps creativity, passion, or dedication? What can they learn from the lives of celebrities who have struggled with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use?

Some teens are upset when they find out about a celebrity’s struggles. Therefore, parents can offer a different viewpoint: Stars who share their stories are examples of courage, honesty, and authenticity. Moreover, their vulnerability makes them stronger. And they often receive tremendous support and love after opening up. In this way, they serve as role models for youth.

However, some celebrities are unable to overcome mental health conditions. The deaths this year of designer Kate Spade and television personality Anthony Bourdain brought renewed attention to mental illness and suicide . Therefore, the message for teens is that people who are suffering must seek professional treatment as soon as possible.

In conclusion, celebrities are really people. Thus, they experience real struggles. But because they are in the public eye, teens have the opportunity to learn from them. And parents can help them sort through the information and take away a healthy message.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrities have a powerful impact on how teens view themselves and how they see the world.
• A survey found that 80 percent of teen girls compare themselves to images they see of celebrities. Almost half of those reported that celebrity images make them feel dissatisfied with the way they look.
• Growing numbers of celebrities are speaking out against the ideals of beauty promoted by the entertainment and fashion industries. Many celebrities are open about their struggles with addiction and mental health. As a result, they help to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Celebrities are real people with real struggles. Teens can learn from their experiences, including when and how to seek help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrity Influence

Celebrities can be good or bad role models for teens. Celebrities glamorize unhealthy fads and behaviors and encourage unrealistic body image standards. On the other hand, some celebrities choose to use their status to counteract harmful cultural messages, by reducing stigma around a particular issue or speaking out honestly about their own struggles.

Teens are in the process of determining their own values, beliefs and goals independent of their parents. It’s natural for teens to look up to celebrities, and celebrities who use their status responsibly can help shape the course of a teen’s life for the better.

Absolutely. Celebrities can inspire a young person to achieve goals beyond what they observe in their immediate community. They can motivate teens to engage with community causes and live a healthy lifestyle. Their impact is not limited to success stories. Celebrities can also be role models for how to get help for mental health issues or substance use disorder.

The best role model for a teen is someone with a passion for what they do, solid values, and the ability to inspire others. Any person who can connect with a teen in these ways can be a role model—whether it’s a parent, a coach, a neighbor, or a distant celebrity.

Pediatrics. 2016 Jul;138(1).  J Applied Business Research. 2013 Jan; 29(1):45–50. Psychol Bull. 2008 May;134(3):460–76. J Abnormal Psychol. 103: 836–840.  Cogent Social Sci. 2016; 2(1). J Soc Clin Psychol. 2008 Mar; 27(3): 279–310. Pediatrics. 2009 Jul; 124(1): 135–143. Addiction. 2010 Mar; 105(3): 515–523. Addiction. 2012 Mar;107(3):557–66. 

Learn how treatment reduced teen suicide risk by 75%. Get the study .

Persuasive Writing: Are Celebrities Good Role Models?

This article contains an example of persuasive writing: are celebrities good role models for young people? In addition, it contains some annotations with tips for students to follow the progress of the piece, and some of the devices included.

The speech isn’t perfect by any stretch! It is a combination of my ideas and some student work, and so it might give ‘middle aged mummy’ vibes rather than feeling like the authentic voice of a teenager. Nonetheless, I think it’s helpful for students to see how to structure a piece of persuasive writing and to use language devices to persuade the audience. 

For more on teaching persuasive writing, read this blog post , and download my free Persuasive Writing Guide for students.

This is a sample answer for the CCEA GCSE English Language Unit 1 Task 1 from January 2019 .

Write a speech for your classmates persuading them to agree with you on the topic: “Are celebrities the best role models for teenagers?”

Friends, classmates, fellow scrollers in the snap-tweet-gram-osphere, gather round and lend me your ears! Today, I stand before you to present the truth on a topic that often stirs debate: “Are celebrities the best role models for teenagers?” Let us dive into the depths of this discussion and explore why I believe they might not always be the shining beacons of inspiration that they are made out to be, and that we must find our own way in the world. Sit up and pay attention because the next three minutes will convince you that you are worth more than fangirling over these fake and fiendish figures.

Greet your audience (remember, this task is class ‘writing for purpose and audience’.

‘lend me your ears’ is from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ … you can use and recycle famous phrases to hook your listeners.

Use alliteration with intention to create sound effects (dive/depths/discussion, fangirling/fake/fiendish figures).

Use a signpost at the start of your paragraphs to signal a new idea in your argument (first and foremost).

‘Let’s ponder this:’ invites the listeners in to the discussion. Following it up with a question (‘what makes a role model truly exceptional?’) creates a point of engagement for them.

Use imagery (‘guiding us through the maze of everyday challenges’) to paint a picture for the audience.

First and foremost, let’s ponder this: what makes a role model truly exceptional? Is it someone who lives a life far removed from our own realities, splashing their extravagant escapades across glossy magazines? Is it someone who was born into a rich or famous family? Is it someone who has the perfect body, hair and skin? Or is it someone who walks beside us, guiding us through the maze of everyday challenges? I dare say the latter holds more weight.

Help the audience to grasp the reality of your point of view with a personal story/anecdote. Make it emotive and specific so that it really persuades your listeners that you know what you are talking about.

“Let me fast forward …’ is a nice structural device to avoid rambling on too much. It holds the listeners’ attention by helping them to follow the organisation of your speech.

Link back to the topic at the end of a long point, to show the examiner that you are still focused and to remind the listener what to think.

Year 11, let me tell you about my friend Jessica. We’ve been best friends since nursery school and she is truly a beautiful person, inside and out. Every major experience of my life so far has been enriched by her presence. But when we began P7, Jessica got a phone and I think that was the turning point. She secretly signed up for Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok; her parents wouldn’t allow her to join, but she always finds a way to get what she wants! Jessica followed all her favourite pop stars and celebrities. 

Let me fast forward another year to the end of first year … Jessica had changed her hair, she had stopped eating healthily and, in my opinion, was only a fraction of the person she used to be. She was obsessed with looking like, talking like and acting like Kylie Jenner. And it ruined her life! In the end, Jessica had to miss a month of school and get hospital treatment at only twelve years old because of the issues created by her obsession with her celebrity ‘role model’. 

Does this story shock you? Have you experienced anything similar? Jessica is now much healthier, but I hope her story makes you sit up and take notice! Celebrities are not good role models for young people!

Instead of fixating solely on the glittering allure of celebrities, let’s turn our gaze toward the unsung heroes in our own lives. Our parents, siblings, teachers, and community members — these are the individuals who have shaped us, nurtured our growth, and celebrated our victories. They are the ones who offer advice, lend a listening ear, and teach us the importance of integrity and resilience.

Use triplets (groups of three words or three phrases) to create flow in your sentences e.g. ‘shaped us, nurtured our growth, and celebrated our victories’.

Use a quote from an expert to support your opinion. This makes you sound more reliable, and therefore helps to convince the listeners.

Experts in child psychology have echoed this sentiment. Dr. Michelle Anthony, renowned child development expert, posits that a true role model should possess qualities such as kindness, empathy, and honesty. These traits are not necessarily guaranteed in the world of celebrity culture, where the emphasis often lies on material possessions and superficial appearances. So, my friends, let us not be swayed by the smoke and mirrors of fame.

Now, picture this: You’re facing a tough decision, unsure of which path to take. Who would you rather turn to for guidance? The glamorous starlet who dazzles on the silver screen or your best friend who has weathered storms and shared your joys? Come on Year 11. I know you know the answer! Kylie Jenner doesn’t care about your GCSE choices. Erling Haaland isn’t going to help you with your Maths homework. KSI isn’t going to respond to your love-life dilemma. The real role models in our lives will though. The friends, teachers, grandparents, aunts and older cousins will help, support and guide you. They will give you good advice and be there to comfort your in hard times. These people are the role models. These people are the ones you should look up to. These people are the ones who should command your love and attention.

‘Picture this’ is a lovely phrase to invite your listeners in to the topic and paint a picture for them. They become more engaged by imagining something for themselves.

Use repetition at the start of a series of sentences (These people … /These people …/These people …). This is called anaphora and is very easy to include but very effective in the art of persuasion.

Include a counter argument. This shows that you are not naive – you know that there are other ways of looking at the topic, but they are not as accurate as your opinion. Make sure you don’t end up agreeing with the other side. Convince your listeners by spinning the other argument round so that it sounds weak and inadequate. 

Now, I know that some of you will disagree, saying that celebrities have achieved fame and fortune through talent and hard work. These are admirable qualities indeed! And while I agree with you to a point, I have to point out the obvious problem: admiring someone at the very top of their game and aspiring to be like them can surely only lead you to disappointment, feelings of inadequacy and a spiral of self-doubt. These celebrities spend money we can’t even imagine, and have a team of people working very hard to make it all look effortless. This is not something that us teenagers can mimic. When we try to live like a celebrity, we fail. Friends, don’t set yourself up for failure in this way. Aspirations are great, but they have to be realistic, otherwise you will fall for the falsehoods that social media push on us.

So, Year 11, let my words linger in your mind like a sweet melody. I want you to repeat after me: substance over style, authenticity over illusion, and sincerity over spectacle. Remember, my dear classmates, we have the power to forge our own destinies, to carve our own paths, guided by those who truly inspire us in the truest sense of the word.

Keep referring to your audience by their name or collective name. This holds their attention and reminds the examiner that you are still fully focused on the task.

Include a call to action. This gives the listeners a motivation to do something specific, making them more likely to remember and agree with your point of view.

In conclusion, while celebrities may have their merits and entertain us in various ways, let us not rush to crown them as the epitome of role models for impressionable teenagers. Instead, let’s turn to the everyday heroes who surround us, those whose footsteps we can genuinely follow and whose values align with our own aspirations. By focusing on genuine connections and genuine examples of integrity, we can shape a future that reflects the very best of our own hearts and minds. Think of a person in your life who you respect and admire. Turn your attention away from celebrities and towards someone much closer to home. Now learn from them.

So, my friends, I implore you to embark on this journey with open minds and open hearts. Together, let us champion the true heroes, both seen and unseen, who inspire us to be the very best versions of ourselves. Thank you for lending me your ears, and may our collective wisdom guide us toward a brighter, more authentic future!

Finish with a flourish! Try to sound confident, clear and persuasive at the end with a few more devices: triplets, positive language and a repetition of the opening quote, ‘lend me your ears’.

Download free persuasive writing guide:

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Are celebrities good role models?

Many people look up to celebrities. Some fans even try to imitate the behaviour and looks of their favourite actress or actor. It is also not unusual to find someone so fascinated with a movie star that they fall in love with them. However, is this influence of celebrities a good thing?

Celebrities can serve as good role models because they serve as an inspiration for kids, bring awareness to burning issues, and often participate in environmental safety projects. On the other hand, many famous people are inclined towards unhealthy habits, such as substance abuse. Additionally, they are often involved in scandals, including family issues, or share controversial comments on delicate subjects.

With this being said, let’s take a closer look at celebrities and see whether they are good role models or not.

Celebrities who inspire kids

A lot of celebrities have managed to inspire kids. Many of them are willing to use their fame for a good cause and help out those in need. Just to name a few, we have Angelina Jolie, who adopted her first son from Cambodia; Lady Gaga, who founded the Born This Way Foundation; and Leonardo DiCaprio, who is a big supporter of environmental safety.

In order to bring awareness to these noble causes, numerous celebrities are willing to put their private lives on display. They also sometimes spend vast chunks of their celebrity net worth , financially supporting those who need money for basic needs.

Being a role model is not an easy job, and it requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Kids can learn a lot from the good deeds of celebrities. However, some stars have become famous for all the wrong reasons.

Celebrities who are famous for bad reasons

Unfortunately, some celebrities have achieved their status not because they are good role models but because they were willing to do anything to get famous . Some of these people seem to be very talented and even have many fans worldwide, but that doesn’t mean we should overlook their bad behaviour.

For example, Lindsay Lohan has been in the spotlight for almost two decades now. However, she has been involved in numerous scandals during this time. She has caused scandals both on and off camera and has been accused of abusing drugs and alcohol.

Lohan has also been arrested multiple times, including when she was charged with stealing a necklace from a jewellery store. In addition, she was once detained for being under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel. She’s not an obvious role model.

There are also those celebrities who seem to enjoy courting controversy. They often say things that are considered offensive and later apologise for what they said or did. While some make honest mistakes, others are likely doing it on purpose because they know it will get them more publicity.

Celebrities who have struggled with addiction

Some celebrities have had a tough life, and they turned to various addictive substances to escape reality. For example, Amy Winehouse struggled with addiction for years before passing away at the age of 27 from alcohol poisoning . The singer also had bulimia and suffered from mental health issues.

Another celebrity who struggled with addictions is Demi Moore. She has been in rehab multiple times for abusing drugs and alcohol. Despite all these issues, she has maintained her popularity because she has never lost her looks or acting skills. Nowadays, Moore’s addiction is reportedly behind her, and she is sober once again.

Many stars have struggled with severe eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. They are often driven towards these dangerous habits because they want to be skinny and look their best.

The bottom line

While there certainly are many celebrities who struggle with addictions or do not act responsibly on camera, it’s not possible to say that all of them are bad role models. Just because some of them act inappropriately on camera or make mistakes in their private lives, they shouldn’t be judged.

Many celebrities are actually fantastic people who help make the world a better place by using their fame for good causes or helping others out when they need it the most. Moreover, they do their best to change our society for the better.

When it comes to “imitating” other people, it’s probably best to stick with those who we know personally to be good models.

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My Role Model: Selena Gomez

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A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.

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• Someone Who Inspires Me
• Helping Others
• Influential Person

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