[shrinkermd]

The article should have been a little more generic. What they call "celebrity worship" is only a part of the situation. Actually, what is happening is that many people are reacting to distant figures as if they were people in their own lives.

Perhaps this has always occurred to some extent; however, with the tube it has become endemic. There is no real explanation other than a human one for the preoccupation with celebrities --whether the feelings be positive or negative.

I sometimes feel some have stronger feelings and understanding about the celebrity than they do about their immediate family and acquaintances.

[GATOR NAVY]

Actually, what is happening is that many people are reacting to distant figures as if they were people in their own lives.

Good point, and that's why I couldn't care less about whether Ben and Jen get married-I realize it has absolutely nothing to do with my life. But you're right, there's a lot of people out there who can't see that and take this stuff personally. It's beyond me.