6 — Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 — North Pointe
IN-DEPTH
The role they play The problem with modern role models
By Bee Bielak, Bella Yoakam, Ella McCarthy, Christina Shea & Lauren Veitengruber SECTION EDITORS & INTERNS Since childhood, society has given us role models to look up to and idolize. These people we take inspiration from introduced us to many of our first experiences during the most influential growing period of our lives. However, as we get older we are influenced by others through social media, film and peers at school. Teens idolizing role models that do not fit the stereotypical idea of one has been relevant for many years. Some students may wear clothing displaying one of their role models, whereas adults may get tattoos of famous quotes from their idol. Our role models can influence our appearance and decision making, even swaying our opinions on some controversial topics. Role models can be anyone in your life or in your surrounding environments. The importance of who you choose is critical to your own development as well as your contribution to society. Has the word “idol” lost its meaning as society grows and changes around it? As media becomes more prominent, can just anyone be a role model to our youth? And if this is the case, how do we ensure our kids stay on a good path following positive leaders?
As the word “idol” is used more loosely without fulfilling meaningful criteria, kids have turned to just about anyone including celebrities and social media influencers for their opinions and overall way of life, even though they may not always be the best or most reliable source. To ensure the upcoming generation is well informed and consists of well rounded individuals, we must encourage the acknowledgment of positive and qualified role models when possible. This begins with identifying who we idolize and why we do so.
WHO WE IDOLIZE Modern society has evolved into a group that idolizes controversial individuals, particularly those who are money-motivated. Special education teacher Sheila Doss expresses that money is an important factor for children and teens when choosing who to look up to. “I think there are a lot of performers and people in sports who I’m not sure how people find them inspiring other than they make a lot of money,” Doss said. The individuals that teenagers look up to most is heavily weighted by social media. With so many ways for kids,
teenagers and even adults to be exposed to celebrities in the social media business, it is easy to be swayed and influenced by their actions. Junior Jack Bidigare gives insight on how his fellow students idolize celebrities with a large social media presence. “These celebrities are on social media a lot so they just follow them because they are there,” Bidigare said. Social media “stars” have become the idols of people of all ages. Currently, they are one of the biggest groups that our society views as role models. Bidigare expresses how media influence works through one star in particular. “The Rock, for example. He posts a lot,” Bidigare said. “Even if he is not trying to connect the youth, I feel like that is a way you can influence people.” The popular social media platform, TikTok, is the go-to spot for teenagers to find influencers. With social media catering to the younger generation, teenagers can connect to influencers without actually knowing them. Doss is a mother to teenagers who uses social media platforms, like TikTok, to find these social media stars, and explains that she doesn’t understand the appeal. “My daughter, who is a senior in highschool, idolizes a lot of TikTok people, I’m not sure why she likes them,” Doss said. “I hope she finds them inspirational because they are doing good things.” Counselor Kimberly Deptula expands BELLA YOAKAM on how she sees the
