In this day and age, the phrase “idol” is becoming universalized through the development of multiple showbiz industries. This situation increasingly frames highly qualified role models for young adults to pursue throughout their growth. Notwithstanding, well-known stars do positively impact the youth; however, this is merely to some minimal extent, and I highlight the downsides of this trend with its numerous unrealistic characteristics. From my perspective, the drawbacks of role modeling outweigh its benefits in the long run.
On the one hand, having a renowned “role model” to follow is the utmost way to get inspiration. As celebrities always possess various outstanding talents, their supporters look up to them and hopefully try to be better one day. Since then, the motive to do their best appears immediately after watching a video or postcard of their idols, encouraging them to give it a go, but only for a short period of time, for the immediate and non-lasting effects of aspiration. For instance, by watching the BlackPink girl group, a teenage girl might develop the notion of owning a well-fit body like her idols, creating an invisible role model. Nevertheless, after watching some other videos, the motivations disappear, leaving teenagers with feelings of failure.
Moreover, superficial qualities can be set up when youngsters prioritize their idols. The powerful inspirations that they obtain from their eminent figures build up an unrealistic benchmark for emotional and physical development, specifically, unreachable goals. For example, stars are examined as special examples for followers, setting up the standard of having perfect skin, flawless bodies, and spotless behavioral attitudes. These facets are impossible to reach in life, even for models, creating unattainable targets and spreading far-fetched qualifications. So, people feel cheated, and when they cannot attain these qualities, they feel terrible for their failings, worsening their mental well-being immeasurably. Furthermore, always prioritizing idols makes teens care less about the people around them, destabilizing real-life relationships.
In a nutshell, despite the upsides of having role models to pursue, the various downsides, such as impractical goals and worsening relationships, outweigh the aforementioned benefits. As a result, considering setting any people in their stardom as your own role model should be a thoughtful process, noticing the potential disadvantages of doing so.