Media Magnification

When doing some research on Google today, I stumbled an article from MSNBC that makes a very valid point about the young hollywood lifestyle:

"But is it all blown out of proportion or is young Hollywood really out of control? Let’s look at the facts…

But again, young celebrities getting into trouble is anything but a new concept.

The ’90s had Shannen Doherty’s “90210” crew and the ’80s had the Brat Pack — each with their own share of troubles. Just look at Charlie Sheen’s drug past and Rob Lowe’s sex tape scandal."

This is very true. Reading the article made me realize something very important in understanding the phenomenon surrounding young hollywood. Young stars have always had access to clubs, drugs, alcohol and other forms of illegal fun. It's not their lifestyle that's changed. It's the media that's changed.

“'In the ’80s when you were back in that young, hot scene, there weren’t blogs and there weren’t all these things,' Emilio told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.

'Do you think it would have ruined you back then?' Billy asked.

'It’s quite possible because every move is documented,' Emilio admitted"

Granted, this article is dated December 13, 2006. However, it is even more relevant now than it was when published nearly two years ago. Celebrity-oriented web sites like www.perezhilton.com and www.tmz.com have grown ever more popular along with TV shows like Access Hollywood and E! News and magazines like People and US Weekly.

These websites, TV shows, and magazines are responding to a huge demand by the public. I will readily admit that I subscribe to People magazine and enjoy indulging in the lives of celebrities for about an hour a week. But when I read, I pay more attention to the lives of the stars that have somewhat respectable careers. When I see Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, or Lauren Conrad mentioned, I usually skip past the blurbs on their lives. They haven't done anything meaningful with their careers; they don't deserve attention.



Article and quotes found at:
Access Hollywood. 2006 Is Young Hollywood Out Of Control? Electronic Document, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16194594/, Accessed October 7, 2008