Who is a celebrity? Who is an influencer?
A celebrity is a person who is known by very many people. Film actors, singers, sports stars and TV presenters are celebrities. People know them from TV, films, stadiums and newspapers.
An influencer is a person who has many followers online and who can change what those followers think, buy or do. Many influencers began as normal people who posted videos or photos. Some are now as famous as film stars.
New words: a fan is a person who likes someone a lot. A follower is a person who watches someone's posts. Fame means being known by many people.
Why do people follow celebrities?
People follow famous people for many reasons: they enjoy their work (a song, a match, a film), they admire their skill, or they feel close to them. A celebrity can also be a role model, a person we try to be like.
Companies know this. They pay celebrities and influencers to show their products. This is called advertising or a sponsorship. So a post is sometimes a real opinion and sometimes a paid message.
Positive influence
Celebrities can do a lot of good:
- They make sport, reading or yoga look cool, so fans try them.
- They raise money for people in need, for example after a flood.
- They speak about problems like bullying, health and the environment, so more people listen.
- They show that hard work and practice can lead to success.
Negative influence
Celebrity culture can also cause harm:
- Pressure to look perfect. Photos are edited. Fans may feel ugly or poor when they compare themselves.
- Wasting money. Fans may buy things they do not need just because a star used them.
- Bad habits. A star who smokes or drives dangerously may be copied.
- Fake news and risky challenges. A viral stunt can hurt people.
- Privacy. Stars are followed by cameras and have little private life.
Think for yourself
You can enjoy celebrities and stay smart. Ask three questions before you copy: Is it true? (Is the photo edited? Is it an advert?) Who earns money? Is it good for me? Choose role models for their values and effort, not only for their looks or money. Also remember that a famous person is a human being, with mistakes and bad days.
Try it
In the 3D: go to the last step. Choose "Fake perfect life" and move the slider to 24. Then choose "Healthy habit / charity" and do the same. Predict first: which colour will the fans become? Then check.
At home: pick one person you follow. Write one thing they do that is good to copy and one thing you should not copy. Share it with a friend and compare.
Key formulas and definitions
- Celebrity = a person known by very many people
- Influencer = a person who can change what followers think, buy or do
- Positive influence = good habits, charity, awareness
- Negative influence = pressure, waste of money, bad habits, fake news
- Check before you copy: Is it true? Who earns money? Is it good for me?
Worked examples
1. A famous footballer starts a free coaching camp for poor children. Is this positive or negative influence? Why?
Positive. He uses his fame to help children. Many fans may also start to help or to play sport.
2. An influencer posts a photo with the words "I woke up like this". The photo is edited. What is the problem?
It is a fake perfect image. Fans may feel bad about how they look. It is a negative influence, so a smart fan asks "Is it true?".
3. A star advertises a fizzy drink and says "I love it". Which question should a fan ask?
"Who earns money?" The company pays the star, so this may be an advert and not a real opinion.
4. Ria wants a very costly phone only because her favourite singer uses it. What should she ask herself?
Do I need it? Can my family afford it? Is it good for me? A smart fan thinks before copying.
Common mistakes
- Thinking all celebrities are good role models, or that all are bad. Judge each action, not the person only.
- Believing every photo and post is real. Many are edited or paid adverts.
- Copying a star without thinking about cost, safety or your own values.
- Forgetting that stars are real people who need privacy and respect, and who also make mistakes.