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Study Finds Celeb-Worship Helpful?

Study Finds Celeb-Worship Helpful?

Shira Gabriel, a psychologist at the University at Buffalo, did a series of studies on celebrity worship and how it affects self-esteem.

“There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the human brain is not well equipped to distinguish between real relationships and — as psychologists call them — “parasocial,” or imagined ones. That means that some of the benefits people get from pseudo relationships with celebrities may be the same as those reaped from real friendships and real-life interactions. It’s just a matter of degree.”

In the study, Gabriel finds that a healthy dose of celebrity following has the potential to improve the way one thinks of oneself. Of course, she is quick to say that extremes like stalking and obsessions with celebrities can be harmful. In short, the answer for your high cholesterol is not to cover your room in Lindsay Lohan posters.

And, still, there’s just so many things wrong with this. It’s a good case for the argument that everything that is good for you isn’t good for you. Hmmm. What are your thoughts on the health benefits of celeb-worship?

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