Celebrity stalking is an extreme consequence of parasocial relationships, where fans form obsessive attachments to public figures. These one-sided relationships, often amplified by social media, can lead to dangerous and criminal behaviors, including harassment, threats, and even physical violence. Numerous celebrities, from Taylor Swift to Sandra Bullock, have faced serious stalking incidents that underscore the risks involved in fame.
Reflect on the following in your response:
- How does the public visibility of celebrities, especially through social media, contribute to the rise of stalking cases? In what ways do parasocial relationships create conditions for these obsessive behaviors to develop?
- Apply criminological theories (such as strain theory, labeling theory, or social learning theory) to explain why some fans cross the line into stalking or harassment.
- What role does the media play in either glorifying or condemning celebrity stalkers? How does coverage of stalking incidents shape societal attitudes toward both the victims (celebrities) and the perpetrators?
