What does celebrity mean to you?

For many, celebrity is tied to a plethora of things including talent, glamour, exclusivity, and perfection. For the select few of us, though, following our favorite celebrities also holds a commitment to time, money, and research that all serves as a meaningful part of our daily lives. Extreme fanaticism is one of the most interesting aspects of popular culture to date, but as social media influences the way we connect, we should consider the impact that the digital landscape has on the behavior of young people participating in celebrity worship. My research seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Does social media and the “fear of missing out” among young people participating in celebrity worship affect fan behaviors online and in real life?

2. Are young people participating in celebrity worship online likely to exhibit negative behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, increased spending, or having poor body image?

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