How far is too far when it comes to celebrity idolization? Idolization, aka parasocial relationships are those ongoing, one-sided bonds with media figures. (Sound familiar?!) What exactly happens when idolization goes too far?
Are parasocial relationships normal? We dive into psychology to find out!
We take a look at why we admire celebrities and the different levels of idolization on the Celebrity Attitude Scale.
Then, Sara takes us True Crime! We discuss extreme examples that lead to stalking (Brendon Urie, Katy Perry, Justin Beiber – to name just a few!) and even the deaths of John Lennon and Selena Quintanilla. It’s a wild rollercoaster from start to finish when idolization goes too far.
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This is a music commentary podcast based on pre-existing knowledge and facts cited below.
Need more Name 3 Songs? Check out similar episodes such as When Fans Turn Toxic and Fans Vs. Stan Culture: From Catfish and the Bottlemen to Taylor Swift
Sources for When Idolization Goes Too Far
Parasocial Relationships: Definition, Examples, and Key Studies (Thought Co. by Cynthia Vinney, 2018)
Why Teenagers Obsess Over Pop Stars (Childmind by Joel Tiller, 2011)
Parasocial Relationships: The Nature of Celebrity Fascinations (Find a Psychologist)
The Parasocial Phenomenon (PBS by Annette Choi, 2017)
Can Celebrity Admiration Go Too Far? (Fair Observer by Lynn McCutcheon, 2017)
Mark David Chapman, man who killed John Lennon, said in parole hearing he wanted ‘glory’ (ABC by Aaron Katersky, 2020)
The shooting of John Lennon: Will Mark David Chapman ever be released? (The Independent by James McMahon, 2020)
What Happened to Yolanda Saldívar, Selena Quintanilla’s Killer? (Oprah Magazine by Elena Nicolaou, 2020)
How Yolanda Saldívar’s Obsession With Selena Turned Deadly (Biography.com, 2020)
Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie forced to move house after ‘constant harassment’ from fans (NME by Rhian Daly, 2017)
Katy Perry fan arrested for allegedly stalking singer, following her ‘all around the country’ (ABC News by Mark Osborne and Ben Stein, 2017)
Katy Perry Alleged Stalker Ordered to Stay Away for 3 Years (TMZ, Oct 2020)
The Stalker Behind the Justin Bieber Castration Plot Will Terrify You (The Atlantic by Connor Simpson, 2013)
Man arrested with baseball bat intended to ‘catch up’ with Taylor Swift at her home, police say (Associated Press article posted to USA Today, 2019)
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