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THE CELEBRITY-

LIFESTYLE SYNDROME:

A MISLEADING NOTION
AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS

- N O B E R T A K U H
on to the platform on any given day, and you will
find the name of at least one person "trending."
Click on that name, and you will find millions of
people expressing opinions about whatever
controversy has emerged. (Branon 9)
Celebrities like a famous Nigerian afro beat star
has had to face numerous challenges in 2023
and recent times from trolls on social media
with allegations of infidelity and multiple
youths to make informed pregnancies involving different women,
choices beyond the allure sparking a wave of criticism on social media.
of celebrity culture.
This prominent figure in the Nigerian music
A R E C E L E B R I T I E S scene, has found himself at the center of
ACTUALLY ENJOYING controversy. These allegations have left
THE "LIFESTYLE"? negative impacts on his career and personal life.
There is no denying that Sharing specific details of some of these
social media is a double- celebrities who have had crisis on social media
edged sword and this could lead to the identification and further
particularly holds true for potential harm.
celebrities and other NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CELEBRITY LIFESTYLE
public figures. The so- SYNDROME ON NIGERIAN YOUTHS
called "fans" because of
INTRODUCTION t h e i r fa l s e s e n s e o f Research studies have shown that young
h e a i r b r u s h e d entitlement, would not people who compare themselves to idealised
p e r f e c t i o n o f pass an opportunity of celebrity figures often experience feelings of
TFacebook, TikTok, tearing down the image inadequacy, low self-esteem, and dissatisfaction
Twitter (X), Instagram, the of many celebrities who with their own lives.
r e l e n t l e s s b u z z o f have made mistakes in A study conducted by Cash and Thompson for
celebrity gossip – the the past and current instance, found that exposure to celebrity
m o d e r n w o r l d i s times all in the name of culture can potentially contribute to depression,
s a t u ra t e d w i t h t h e "cruise". They go as far as anxiety and body dysmorphia in teenagers (38).
lifestyles of the rich and providing leaked images, Celebrities often portray an image of effortless
famous. At the same time v i d e o s , n u d e s , wealth, friendships, connections and success.
as these glimpses into a c o n v e r s a t i o n s a n d Their extravagant vacations, designer
seemingly glamorous transactions of these wardrobes and seemingly perfect relationships
w o r l d c a n b e c e l e b r i t i e s h e n c e , are constantly bombarded through social
e n t e r t a i n i n g , t h e i r destroying many of their media and entertainment, creating a false
i n fl u e n c e o n y o u n g m a r r i a g e s a n d standard of what life should be. Young people
people can have a dark reputation. still grappling with their identities are
side, manifesting in a T h e s o c i a l m e d i a par ticularly vulnerable to comparing
phenomenon known as powerhouse, Twitter(X), themselves to these idealised "perfect" figures.
" C e l e b r i t y L i f e s t y l e created a platform where This comparison often leads to feelings of
Syndrome" and this essay people all over the world inadequacy, low self-esteem and dissatisfaction
argues that the influence express opinions in short (Cash & Thompson 39).
of celebrity culture on sound bites. In recent
y o u n g p e o p l e h a s y e a r s h o w e v e r , t h i s Also, Celebrities often achieve fame and fortune
n e g a t i ve e f f e c t s o n formula has become overnight, bypassing the traditional paths of
mental health, self- m o r e c o m p l e x a s hard work and dedication. This creates an
esteem and life choices. individuals have begun to illusion that success is effortless and easily
By exploring these effects leverage Twitter as a tool attainable, leading young people to undervalue
and proposing necessary to reprimand others for education, traditional careers, and delayed
solutions, it is important attitudes and lifestyles gratification. This can result in impulsive
to address this issue and they disagree with. Log behaviour, risky choices and a lack of long-term
e m p o w e r N i g e r i a n planning, ultimately hindering their future