We have entered a time when celebrities are so valued that they are more respected and powerful than anyone else. It began with movie and sports stars, but now as a result of the preponderance of reality shows that vault virtual nobodies into lives of immense wealth and clout, celebrity has been democratized. YouTube stars and Instagram influencers are the latest to rise to celebrity status, and they have more power than many of us know. This curation of perspectives explores the advantages to celebrity, how advances in media technology have impacted fame, and the dangers inherent in a rising celebrity culture. Provided by publisher.

Why are we fascinated by celebrity? --Is it always good to be a famous celebrity? / Ella Maclin -- Overeager photographers put celebrities at risk / Kayleigh Dray -- Celebrities can use their fame to be agents of change / Sara Barnes -- Celebrity should not be confused with expertise / Steven Novella -- Celebrity should be used as a platform for supporting good causes / Kyla Nwede -- Roosevelt used his physical disability to advantage / National Public Radio -- How have advancing media technologies impacted the nature of fame? -- Social media lends itself to the development of the parasocial relationship / CU Independent -- The internet has launched an entire generation of fame seekers / Daryl Nelson -- Television created the celebrity scientist / Declan Fahy -- The internet has changed the way the public interacts with celebrities / Aleks Krotoski -- The media can help prevent copycat violence and mass shooters seeking fame / Zaid Jilani -- Is the influence of celebrity culture on society dangerous? -- Caring about others was once necessary for survival / Frank T. McAndrew -- Celebrity culture can be used productively in the development of young people / Kirsty Fairclough -- Celebrity non-experts could change the way we acquire knowledge / Ashley Morgan -- Parents, not celebrities, need to remain role models for their children / Anne Steinhoff -- Endorsements by celebrities have an impact on politics / Nives Zubcevic-Basic -- Our fascination with fame is in overdrive / Anna Pivovarchuk.