Celebrity fixation comes with pitfalls

There are many other ways in which celebrities can show their love for their children - for example, setting up a fund with the money in the name of their children to help other kids have a better life may be a more meaningful way. Perhaps such a gesture will inspire their children, when they grow up, to carry on with the practice.

One can understand celebrities' urge to show off their wealth and connections but it is difficult to fathom the reason for the media going crazy over such events. Media professionals know very well celebrities love to stay in the limelight. Some stars indulge in bizarre, or controversial, activities just to draw media attention. Some even use their purported love affairs as a gimmick to maintain their popularity.

The media love to report the smallest tidbits about celebrities to attract eyeballs, as curiosity is an intrinsic part of human nature and the private lives of celebrities never fail to draw fans' attention.

Recently, a mailbox in Shanghai became a famous "landmark" after Lu Han, a popular singer, posted a photo showing him with the mailbox on his Twitter-like Sina Weibo account. Soon his fans found out the site of the mailbox, and the next day hundreds of them queued up to take photos with it.

Like a commander of an army, a celebrity can exert influence on his/her legions of fans. Therefore, the media should be careful while reporting about celebrities' activities and private lives as some fans could imitate them.

For instance, actor Huang Xiaoming, who donated millions of yuan to a poverty alleviation fund last year, motivated his fans to do the same, albeit in smaller amounts. Huang's fans not only contributed to charity but also sent the donation certificates to him as a birthday gift.

This is something worth the media's attention, because unlike extravagant parties, such a charitable work is good for the needy and will encourage others to pitch in with their share of donations.

The writer is an editor with China Daily. lifangchao@chinadaily.com.cn