BLOCKO: Hey there!
Welcome to Life Noggin!
I, like most people, have a few obsessions.
i'm obsessed with learning new things.
I'm obsessed with pizza bagels.
I'm even obsessed with Glass Beach Band.
Look them up.
They're very good!
This day and age, it's really easy to learn a lot about a celebrity or fictional character
and feel a sense of connection to them.
However, in some instances, this can get out of hand and turn into an obsession.,
It’s normal to develop this kind of attachment.
These relationships, although one-sided or "parasocial," can even be useful.
I brought a friend today to help me with this video!
Probably the most requested special guest by the Life Noggin community, Jaiden Animations
JAIDEN: Hey Blocko!
BLOCKO: Jaiden!
How are you?
JAIDEN: Well I'm still getting used to looking like a walking kitchen cabinet set...but other
than that, pretty good.
BLOCKO: Huh?
I guess we do look like that.
I’ll reflect on that later and probably cry, but for now, do you wanna help me talk
about obsessions?
JAIDEN: Sure thing!
We often look at obsessions as completely negative but there can be some positives to
it!
Thinking about a favorite celebrity’s desirable characteristics can improve your self esteem.,
In a 2008 study on undergraduate college students, those with low self esteem considered their
favorite same-sex celebrity to be similar to their ideal selves and, after writing about
the celebrity’s qualities, they felt closer to their ideal self and had a boost in self
esteem.
The researchers believe that this was because people can assimilate the characteristics
of the celebrity and feel better about themselves, which can be useful for those who have trouble
in social situations.,
BLOCKO: The real issue is when we take these relationships
too far and they start to take over our identity or emotional lives.
This is often referred to as celebrity worship, but can be applied to fictional characters
as well.
There are different theories on why some people are more prone to becoming a superfan than
others.
It could be related to personality, where some people have a tendency to fully immerse
themselves in any thing they do.
Or it could be due to an unmet need they are trying to fill., Fandoms often are a way for
people to socialize and find emotional support.
WHICH IS GREAT!
But, in some cases, this could be just a way of masking bigger problems.
JAIDEN: Studies have found that celebrity worship
is related to poorer mental health and poor-quality relationships.
Those with high levels of celebrity worship are more likely to have severe psychological
issues like symptoms of depression or anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or dissociation.
Age plays a factor in celebrity worship as well, as it is strongest during adolescence,
when we begin to form our identity.
The celebrities serve as role models or aspirations, but having these goals could be dangerous.
BLOCKO:Studies have found that poorer body image and preoccupation with body shape is linked
to celebrity worship among adolescent girls.
Beyond celebrities and fictional characters,
obsession in romantic relationships, referred to as obsessive love disorder, can be really
dangerous as well.,, It can lead to possessive thoughts, extreme jealousy, and even abuse.
While it’s not considered a mental condition, obsessive love is thought to be linked to
other types of mental health issues like attachment disorders, borderline personality disorder,
delusional or obsessional jealousy, or erotomania - a rare disorder in which you are convinced
that a celebrity is in love with you.
Whether it's with a celebrity, fictional character, or significant other, you should determine
the underlying cause of your obsession and find a way to correct it.,, And don’t be
afraid to seek out help.
JAIDEN: Uh, Blocko?
I think your Triangle Friend is in trouble.
BLOCKO: Oh he’s fine.
Triangle Bob just has a fan club!
JAIDEN: Um...i don’t think those are fans?
BLOCKO: Anyway, so what are YOU obsessed with?
Any musician, youtuber, or show you truly can’t get enough of?
Let me know in the comment section below!
Thank you so much to Jaiden for being a part of this video!
Please go check out her incredible videos!
They are so well done and 100% Blocko approved!
Link to her channel will be down in the description!