Celebrities, TV shows, musicians and athletes are often idolized as they are said to entertain and do something noble for their countries. Entertainers and athletes are looked upon by the younger generations, from toddlers to teenagers while some may be inspired to thrive for something better, experts reveal that idolatry of the stars can greatly affect the child's mental health.
Medical Daily explains that children, especially teenagers are being placed at risk of idolatry. Even though adults would often deem idolatry as something minimal, researchers explain that it can affect their mental health.
Teenagers often want to build their own identity thus, they longed for emotional and psychological independence. They want to break free from their parent's expectations of who they will become. This being said, celebrities and athletes are always looked upon.
"Adults may find it puzzling, even irritating, but it's not trivial," child psychiatrist Dr. Alan Ravitz told the Child Mind Institute about this almost irrational adoration. "We call it 'child's play,' but it's actually part of the work necessary for healthy development."
Child Mind Institutes then explained that celebrities are often subjected to teenagers' fantasy of whom they want to be. With a teenager's drive for independence and personality development heightens, it was explained that it often leads to obsession and idolatry, which can negatively impact their mental health.
"As kids individualize themselves from their parents, which is a natural part of development and growing up, they try to establish psychological and emotional independence," Dr. Alan Rasaid, a child psychologist stated during an interview with the Child Mind Institute. Rasaid also added that children need some role model in their lives but in today's culture, kids often look up on sports figures, actors or pop stars.
Celebrity idolatry and fascination may cause obsession, anxiety and depression. But according to TIME, looking up to celebrities can also have a positive impact on a child's mental health as some boost their self-esteem. Shira Gabriel, a child psychologist explains the positive impact of idolizing a certain celebrity.
"Because people form bonds in their mind with their favorite celebrities, they are able to assimilate the celebrity's characteristics in themselves and feel better about themselves when they think about that celebrity," Gabriel stated. The expert also highlighted the fact that fear of rejection often keeps individuals from getting close to other people.
