We Are What We Worship: Connecting Influencer Engagement with Mental Wellness

Name

Alexandra Rahal, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2025

Major

Psychology (B.S.)

Release Option

Restricted to Georgia Southern

Faculty Mentor

Jonathan E. Roberts, Ph.D.

Abstract

Inspired by Maltby et al.’s (2001) findings on the negative correlation between celebrity worship and mental well-being, this study examined whether extreme attitudes toward Social Media Influencers (SMIs) mirror those toward celebrities. Participants (N=90) completed the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) for both a celebrity and an SMI, along with the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Results showed no strong link between celebrity worship and poor mental health, other than a weak correlation between the borderline-pathological dimension and anxiety. However, while celebrity worship reflected a social role, engagement with influencers appeared more obsessive and maladaptive. These findings highlight shifts in social media culture and their mental health implications, distinguishing SMIs from traditional celebrities.

Recommended Citation

Rahal, Alexandra, "We Are What We Worship: Connecting Influencer Engagement with Mental Wellness" (2025). Honors College Theses. 1033.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/1033