Why reading about celebrity gossip can be a fun distraction

The current culture of celebrity worship is nothing new. People have always found celebrities’ lives to be interesting. From red carpet events and television talk shows to magazines and tabloids, we eagerly consume every bit of news and gossip about our favorite celebrities.

Thanks to social media and technology, you can now keep up with any celebrity you choose, by following them on Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, liking their Facebook page or subscribing to their YouTube channel. Most of us have even bookmarked a website that we trust to keep us in the loop with the latest-breaking celebrity news.

Kim Kardashian goofy twitter photo

Some might call it harmless curiosity, while others refer to it as an obsession, but have you ever wondered why celebrity gossip is so addictive? Ever thought of the reason behind your driving need to know where and how they live, their marital status, their families, their fashion style, and who they hang out with? Maybe you want to know the underlying reason for your curiosity about your best celebrity’s vacation, what she was up to, what she wore, places she visited and so much more. Well, read on to find out.

Psychology is part of it

It turns out that human psychology plays a big role in our fixation with celebrities. Humans are social beings, and as such, you naturally look up to those on top of the societal hierarchy. In the past, monarchs occupied the top echelons of society and everyone looked up to them. People everywhere wanted to dress, speak and eat like them. Celebrities fulfill this role in today’s society and that explains your interest in their clothing, marriages, social interactions and other tidbits that comprise celebrity gossip.

Another psychological reason for widespread celebrity worship lies in our search for identity. This starts when you are a teenager, striving to be seen as a unique human being. This is also the stage where most young people want to be seen as cool. The best way to do this is to emulate whatever their celebrity idols do. With time, you might outgrow hanging posters of stars on your bedroom walls, as well as your teenage star crushes, but you will never quite shake your fascination with these famous icons.

If you were thinking of quitting your addiction to star gossip, here are some reasons why following celebrity news can be a fun and welcome distraction:

• Your icons can inspire you.

Your favorite author, movie star or sportsperson can be a source of inspiration. Reading about their lives, the hardships they went through and the hurdles they had to overcome to achieve fame can be inspiring. Additionally, their songs, movies, books, etc. can encourage you, especially if you are going through a rough patch in your life.

• They provide great entertainment.

Let’s face it, most of us love celebrity gossip because it is a great form of entertainment. Some stars are just hilarious and keep you entertained on social media and in real life. It’s not only the good, funny stories that entertain though. Celebrity spats, arrests and other antics can keep you thoroughly entertained and give you something to discuss with your friends.

• Celebrity gossip can provide an escape.

You sometimes need an escape from your life as your routine can become boring. At such times, some people reach for movies, others go for novels and still others catch up on celebrity news. There is something satisfying in seeing what the stars have been up to, who they are dating and their lavish lifestyles. You can live vicariously through them.

• Stars give you something to aspire to.

Following celebrities’ lives is not all superficial. Sometimes you can actually learn something from them. For instance, emulating your favorite star’s diet or workout routine can have a positive impact on your life. Reading about or watching a famous person struggle to lose weight can motivate you to get in shape. In the same way, you can learn all about the latest clothing and tech trends from celebrities, allowing you to keep up with the changing times.

As you can see, there is nothing wrong with being fascinated by celebrities. You can pick up some pointers from them, and the gossip can provide a much-needed escape from your life. Just make sure that your celebrity obsession does not take over too much of your own life. Realize that a big part of a celebrity’s life involves remaining relevant and in the public eye, so don’t blindly emulate everything you see them do. Maintain a healthy balance by treating celebrity gossip and news like the fun, harmless distraction it is.