Does the Media Fuel Our Celebrity Obsession?

As I was scrolling through my on-screen guide to decide what to watch after the evening news, I saw no less than half a dozen shows dedicated to the spread of "news" and gossip about celebrities. They spend half an hour telling us everything from where and with whom a celebrity had dinner last night to the most salacious and scandalous things celebrities have done. As a general rule, they are filled with half-truths and video footage of a couple of dozen papparazzi (stalkerazzi) photographers/videographers chasing those celebrities to their cars and into buildings. Unfortunately, they aren't the worst offenders. The worst offenders are the tabloid "news" magazines that line the racks at the grocery store check out counter. They almost never have the true story, just some person we've never heard of's spin on a picture they have bought. And most of these shows and publications have websites with even more "information" on them.

The sad, and scary truth is that many people believe everything they see and hear from theses shows and magazines. There are people that comb these shows, publications, and websites for any tidbit they can find about whatever celebrities they can. My question is, do those shows and publications fuel our celebrity obsession or does our obsession cause these shows and publications to continue to spread their gossip and "news"?

Now, I understand the desire to know more about the people our favorite actors, actresses, musicians, and sports figures are when they aren't on our TV screens, on a stage, or on a playing field. But when does our interest become an obsession and do we really need all these shows, magazines, and websites to tell us their spin on what they think is going on in those people's lives?

Personally, I have a "less is more" philosophy when it comes to knowing what is going on in the lives of celebrities. I believe they are entitled to just as much privacy as the rest of us have. If they want to share the details of their personal lives with us through personal websites, fan clubs, newsletters, or even press conferences then that's their choice, but for there to be so many shows and publications dedicated solely to the spread of "news" about them to me is unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

I have talked before about celebrity stalkers, specifically the highly disturbed woman who has for the last few years has been obsessively stalking actor David Caruso and sending death threats to him and his family. Unfortunately, this isn't the only case in recent history of celebrity stalkers. Jennifer Garner has had to take legal action to protect herself from a stalker and Paula Abdul recently had an obsessed stalker commit suicide outside her Los Angeles home. I can't help but wonder if the media isn't atleast partially to blame for this type of behavior or if people like this are the reason the tabloid media stays in business. I'd love to hear your take on this.

URGENT REMINDER: Below is a copy of the actual death threat that was sent to David Caruso by HeidiMarie Shnitzer as well as a photograph of her. She a fugitive from justice with an International Arrest Warrant on her head. She is considered incredibly dangerous. If you come across her, contact the police immediately. Do not approach her for your own safety.