d Mitchell

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?