IELTS Writing Task 2
Some celebrities say that their private lives shouldn’t come under media scrutiny. Other people, however, believe that they should accept it as part of their fame.
Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS Essay On Celebrities And Media
It is understandable that some people whose work or activities put them in the media spotlight should wish to maintain their privacy in their certain aspects of their life; however, at the same time there are those who consider that if such a personality depends on media exposure for their career, then they should be prepared to be under the media microscope.
Fame and popularity brings with it certain rewards, privileges and also responsibilities. The public adore celebrities and with today’s 24-hour media coverage of everything and the instantaneous nature of social media it is increasingly difficult for celebrities to escape media attention. Those in the limelight that crave this attention and depend upon it for their livelihood, such as reality TV stars, should expect the media, and especially paparazzi, to follow their every move, wherever they go and whenever they appear in public.
On the other hand, mega Hollywood film stars who are generally paid large amounts of money for their work, due to their box office pulling power, may not necessarily seek out media attention, and it could be said that their privacy should be respected more. There are indeed many famous actors who have a healthy relationship with the media, while still maintaining their family life private, understanding the media’s role in the larger picture of their own career.
Personally, I believe that the individual celebrity normally defines the degree of attention and scrutiny the media will apply to them. For example, while Kim Kardashian, who is famous for being ‘famous’, may be swarmed by paparazzi simply when out shopping, Oscar winning actor Robert De Niro is rarely seen exposed by the press in the same manner. Therefore, each celebrity has a degree of power and influence over how and when they court the media’s attention, and indeed, manipulate it in many cases.
Should Celebrities Have A Private Life Essay
In recent years, the media has been under intense scrutiny. The public is constantly demanding more from reporters and journalists. The media often scrutinize celebrities' private lives, trying to gain an exclusive story for profit. Some celebrities say their private lives should not come under media scrutiny because it's unfair. But other people believe that they should accept it as part of their fame and success and not try to hide from the inevitable.
From the public's perspective, it is understandable that they would want to know as much as possible about the lives of celebrities. After all, people often see celebrities as role models, and some celebrities say that their private lives can positively impact society. But, we should remember that celebrities are just like everyone else. They deserve some privacy and semblance of an ordinary life when not in public.
In my opinion, the media should respect the privacy of celebrities unless there is a good reason not to. The media might believe that something illegal or unethical is happening or reveal secrets the public must know. In today's world, it's increasingly difficult to keep anything hidden from the public eye. With social media and the internet, people can find out about your private life in seconds. It is especially true for celebrities, who are constantly under scrutiny from the media. Celebrities have a right to privacy, just like everyone else. Their personal lives should be off-limits unless they do or say something that warrants media attention.
But, the media is a hungry machine - and needs feeding! Today's unrelenting 24-hour news cycle means that celebrities can't get away with anything. If they do something illegal or unethical, it will be all over the news within minutes. So in a sense, celebrities have to accept that their personal lives are no longer private. They need to be careful about what they do and say because the public is always watching.
It is also wise to distinguish between famous people and those whose business is maintaining their celebrity status. For example, a famous actor or musician receives money in return for entertaining the public. Many famous people do not seek attention except when promoting their professional career projects. In contrast, reality TV has produced a generation of 'celebrities' who are 'famous for being famous' and expose their private lives willingly to the public. Often, they go out of their way to attract media attention!
In my opinion, it is impossible to live 'a normal life' when your every move is scrutinized by the media. We must remember that celebrities are humans with feelings and families, who sometimes make mistakes like everyone else. We should respect their right to private life within reasonable limits. However, if they choose to be in the public eye, they must accept the consequences.
Ultimately, it's up to each celebrity to decide how much privacy they want to sacrifice for fame. Some people are happy to live their lives in the spotlight, but others would rather keep their personal life hidden from the world. It is up to each person to make that decision themselves.
Discussion Questions - Celebrities Personal Lives
In some countries celebrities complain about media attention concerning their private life. How should this be addressed?
This a complex situation that requires a case-by-case assessment. Some celebrities may have valid concerns about media scrutiny of their personal lives, while others may be focused on safeguarding their public image. The level of fame and notoriety achieved by a celebrity should be considered when determining the appropriate level of privacy. If a celebrity believes they are unfairly targeted by intrusive media coverage, legal action could be an option to protect their rights. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on each unique situation and should be carefully considered.
What are some of the consequences for celebrities when their private lives are exposed by the media?
When the media exposes a celebrity's private life, it can have various negative consequences, both professionally and personally. Professionally, if an entertainer or athlete is portrayed negatively, it can damage their reputation and public image, leading to a decrease in popularity or loss of endorsement deals. Personally, celebrities may experience emotional distress due to media intrusion into their privacy, as well as potential legal consequences if any illegal activities are revealed. Additionally, constant harassment by paparazzi can be extremely stressful.
What is it about the contemporary world that encourages such intense interest in celebrities?
In today's world, instant gratification and 24-hour news cycles prevail. With easy access to information through phones, tablets, and computers, people have developed a heightened interest in celebrities who represent status, fame, wealth, and beauty. Social media has expanded media coverage to include not only journalists, but also other citizens. This has created a culture that focuses on celebrities and their personal lives. Additionally, social media allows celebrities to directly engage with their fans, increasing public attention and curiosity. Consequently, intense media scrutiny of celebrities' private lives has become commonplace.