A recent study suggests that worshiping celebrities may be linked to lower cognitive abilities and mental function.
A recent study has revealed a surprising link between celebrity worship and cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that individuals who obsess over celebrities tend to score lower on cognitive tests.
This research, published in the journal *BMC Psychology*, raises questions about the implications of our fascination with famous personalities.
Study suggests people have lower cognitive abilities if they worship celebrities
The study involved 1,763 adults from Hungary who participated in an online survey.
This survey included various intelligence assessments designed to evaluate two key aspects of cognition: crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence.
Crystallized intelligence is often measured through vocabulary tests, while fluid intelligence is assessed using tasks like digit symbol tests.
Participants were also asked about their level of celebrity worship through the Celebrity Attitude Scale.
This scale categorizes individuals based on their obsession with celebrities.
Those who simply enjoy discussing celebrities with friends were classified as “entertainment-social” fans.
A deeper level of engagement, characterized by compulsive thoughts about celebrities, was termed “intense-personal.”
The highest level, labeled “borderline-pathological,” included individuals who might agree with statements like,
“If I met my favorite celebrity, I would do anything they asked, even if it were illegal.”
The survey revealed that those with higher levels of celebrity worship had lower scores in both crystallized and fluid intelligence.
This trend remained consistent even after controlling for various demographic factors such as age, education, and material wealth.
However, the researchers noted that their analysis did not definitively establish that celebrity worship directly causes lower cognitive abilities.
This leaves open the possibility that this phenomenon could be a result of other underlying factors.
The impact of celebrity worship on cognitive function and intellectual growth
Researchers speculate that maintaining a strong emotional connection to celebrities might detract from cognitive functioning.
The intense focus on celebrities could impact mental activities that support intellectual growth.
When individuals invest so much mental energy into following the lives of famous people, they may neglect other cognitive activities that stimulate intellectual growth.
Conversely, the authors of the study also suggest that people with higher intelligence may be less inclined to idolize celebrities.
Such individuals might recognize the marketing strategies behind celebrity culture and choose to engage in more meaningful pursuits.
Many people spend hours scrolling through feeds filled with celebrity news and gossip.
This time might be better used for activities that enhance intelligence, such as reading, learning new skills, or engaging in critical thinking exercises.
Moreover, the study indicates the need for further research to explore the intricacies of this relationship.