People Who Worship Celebrities Have Lower Cognitive Abilities, Study Suggests

In a world increasingly shaped by media and digital culture, the fascination with celebrities has become a near-universal phenomenon. From actors and athletes to influencers and musicians, public figures command the attention and admiration of millions. For many, this admiration remains a harmless pastime, fostering community and entertainment. However, recent research suggests that excessive celebrity worship may carry hidden consequences—particularly in its association with cognitive abilities.

A study published in BMC Psychology sheds light on this nuanced relationship, revealing a weak but notable link between intense celebrity admiration and lower cognitive performance. While the correlation is not robust, the findings echo broader patterns seen in addictive behaviors, raising questions about how much focus we devote to celebrity culture and at what cost.

What is Celebrity Worship?

Celebrity worship, as examined in psychological studies, refers to a spectrum of admiration for public figures that can range from casual interest to intense obsession. Defined in this context as “increased admiration toward a famous person,” it often manifests as a deep fascination with their personal lives, achievements, and even their day-to-day activities.

Researchers categorize celebrity worship into three dimensions using the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS). The first, Entertainment-Social, is the most common and relatively harmless. It reflects casual discussions or shared interest in celebrities, such as discussing a favorite actor’s recent movie. The second, Intense-Personal, delves deeper, involving emotional attachment to a celebrity, like feeling a personal connection with their struggles or triumphs. The third and most extreme level, Borderline-Pathological, represents an unhealthy obsession where admiration can lead to irrational behaviors—such as considering illegal acts to please a celebrity.

This nuanced framework helps differentiate between casual engagement and potentially problematic behavior, laying the groundwork for understanding its impact on cognitive abilities.

Inside the Study

To explore the relationship between celebrity worship and cognitive abilities, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1,763 Hungarian adults. Participants, primarily male (66%) and averaging 37 years of age, completed a series of assessments designed to measure both their levels of celebrity worship and their cognitive performance.

The study utilized the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) to evaluate participants’ admiration for public figures, categorizing it into three levels: Entertainment-Social, Intense-Personal, and Borderline-Pathological. Cognitive performance was measured using two standardized tests: a Vocabulary Test to assess crystallized intelligence (knowledge acquired through experience) and a Short Digit Symbol Test to evaluate fluid intelligence (problem-solving and abstract reasoning skills).

Researchers controlled for several variables, including gender, age, education, family income, material wealth, and self-esteem, to ensure a balanced analysis. This comprehensive approach aimed to isolate the potential impact of celebrity worship on cognitive performance, offering insights into how this cultural phenomenon may influence mental capabilities.

The Findings: A Weak but Notable Link

The study revealed a subtle yet consistent connection between higher levels of celebrity worship and lower cognitive performance. Participants who scored higher on the Celebrity Attitude Scale tended to perform slightly worse on both the vocabulary and digit symbol tests. These results suggest that intense admiration for celebrities may be associated with reduced ability to utilize acquired knowledge and solve problems.

However, it is important to note that the correlation, while statistically significant, was relatively weak. The strength of the association (correlation coefficients ranging between -0.05 and -0.12) indicates that other factors, such as socioeconomic status or psychological variables, may play a larger role in determining cognitive abilities. Even so, the findings align with patterns seen in other excessive behaviors, such as compulsive shopping or gambling, which similarly demand substantial focus and energy, potentially diverting attention from cognitive growth.

The study’s authors caution against overgeneralizing these results, emphasizing that moderate engagement with celebrity culture does not inherently harm cognitive function. Instead, the research highlights the need for a balanced perspective on how individuals allocate their mental energy and focus.

Broader Implications of Obsession

Let’s pause for a second—how much time do we spend following celebrities? Sure, it might start as a casual interest, but before you know it, you’re deep-diving into their Instagram posts, memorizing their favorite coffee orders, and debating their choices in online forums. It’s easy to get swept up, but what’s the real cost of all that mental energy?

The study found that when celebrity worship gets out of hand, it starts to mirror behaviors like compulsive shopping or even gambling. It’s not the fandom itself that’s the problem—it’s the amount of focus it demands. If too much of your mental energy is tied up in celebrity news or gossip, there’s less left for things like learning, problem-solving, or simply taking time for yourself.

But here’s the thing: being a fan isn’t bad. It’s perfectly normal to admire someone’s talent or success. The problem is when that admiration starts to crowd out everything else. Think about it—how often do we choose to scroll through endless updates instead of picking up a new skill or tackling something meaningful in our own lives?

So maybe the question isn’t, “Why do we follow celebrities?” but “Is this obsession adding anything to my life—or just filling time?”

What This Means for Readers

So, what does all of this mean for the average person who enjoys keeping up with celebrities? The key takeaway is balance. There’s nothing wrong with following your favorite actor’s latest project or feeling inspired by an athlete’s journey. In fact, celebrity culture can be a source of joy, connection, and even motivation when approached in moderation.

The problem arises when admiration turns into obsession. If scrolling through celebrity updates starts to take up hours of your day or leaves little time for other important activities—like spending time with loved ones, learning something new, or simply enjoying your own hobbies—it might be worth reassessing. Ask yourself: Is this habit enriching my life or just distracting me?

One way to strike a healthier balance is to consciously limit the time spent consuming celebrity-related content. Instead, use that time to invest in personal growth, whether it’s pursuing a passion, trying a new activity, or deepening relationships. It’s all about creating space for things that truly matter while keeping celebrity admiration in check.

Recognizing and Managing Celebrity Obsession Disorder

Celebrity admiration is a common part of modern culture, but when it crosses into obsession, it can disrupt daily life in significant ways. Signs of unhealthy fixation include excessive consumption of celebrity-related content, such as constantly checking social media or spending hours researching their lives. This behavior often leads to lost productivity and disconnection from reality. Additionally, an intense focus on celebrities can interfere with everyday tasks, work responsibilities, and relationships, as attention shifts away from immediate commitments. Emotional responses, like feeling extreme joy or sadness over celebrity news, may further indicate blurred boundaries between fandom and personal life. In severe cases, some individuals might even engage in risky behaviors—like stalking or spending excessive amounts on memorabilia—seeking validation through a celebrity’s acknowledgment.

Addressing this issue involves setting boundaries, such as limiting time spent on celebrity news and prioritizing real-world responsibilities. Diversifying interests by exploring new hobbies, joining social groups, or planning “celebrity-free” days can also help redirect focus. Practicing critical thinking is essential—recognizing the curated nature of celebrity personas and questioning the content consumed fosters a healthier perspective. Achieving media balance by choosing diverse, educational content and reducing notifications from celebrity apps can minimize distractions. Regular self-reflection is crucial to evaluate the impact of celebrity culture on emotions and behavior, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals can be a helpful step if obsession becomes overwhelming. By taking these actions, individuals can enjoy celebrity culture in moderation while maintaining focus on their personal lives and goals.

Finding the Right Balance

Celebrity culture is undeniably woven into the fabric of modern life. It entertains, inspires, and connects us to stories bigger than ourselves. However, as this study suggests, there can be a downside to excessive admiration. When celebrity worship starts to consume too much mental energy, it may subtly impact our cognitive abilities and distract us from more meaningful pursuits.

The good news is that this isn’t about giving up fandom or abandoning your favorite celebrities. It’s about balance—enjoying the entertainment they provide without letting it take over your life. By being mindful of how much time and energy you dedicate to celebrity culture, you can make space for activities that enrich your own story. After all, the most important star of your life should be you.