Celebrity News That Never Sleeps

By drodriguez Feb 15, 2009

Killing a little free time at home or work has become a lot easier since the celebrity gossip blog has found large audiences on the internet. Websites like TMZ.com, PerezHilton.com, and DListed.com are being frequented at enormous and growing rates. On these sites, you can find out anything from the most mundane detail of a celebrity's life (Britney Spears just purchased her second latte of the day) to some pretty embarrassing stuff like celebrity DUI arrests and club brawls. There are even websites out there dedicated solely to the children of celebrities like Babyrazzi.com.

It comes as no surprise that celebrity gossip sites have such a large and growing following. Many people are saving money by doing without their celebrity magazines. The New York Times reported that big name magazines like In Touch Weekly and Life & Style Weekly have lost readership by almost 30 percent. This in itself is evidence that people are turning to the internet for their celebrity sightings and news. For one thing, these sites are free. Another big draw is the fact that they are updated multiple times an hour. Whereas with a magazine, you may have to wait an entire week to find out that Brad and Angelina are having yet another baby.

After reading the comment section from a lot of these celebrity blogs it is obvious to see that the readers often disagree with the way a lot of stories are reported. Some feel the writer has crossed the line or made unnecessary offensive remarks toward an individual. After all, celebrities are human right?

A recent article from USA Today reports about the recent "public shaming" that a lot of magazines and celebrity blogs have put Jessica Simpson through recently. The photograph featured here is from PerezHilton.com which was taken from one article on the website among many which ridiculed her for gaining weight. The signature Perez Hilton style of drawing over photographs to point out physical flaws in celebrities is offensive to some while others find it lighthearted and funny.

Psychology professor at Saint Michael's College in Vermont and co-author of Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters From Marketers' Schemes, Sharon Lamb, told USA Today that these kind of stories referring to Jessica Simpson as "fat" can take a toll on women everywhere. Lamb said that according to these magazines and websites, "You are either too fat or too thin, but never just right." This message can be very confusing and harmful to women, especially young women who are just becoming aware of body issues and self-image.

Which websites do you turn to when you are in need of some entertaining celebrity news?

Do you feel that some of these sites cross the line when reporting about celebrities or is it all in good fun?

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Comments

by generic1234 | WESTERN SPRGS, IL

Feb 18, 2009

I enjoy the funnier blogs rather than just straight gossip, such as dlisted. However, it's definitely not for the faint of heart; the writer can be pretty ruthless.

by mommyof3ree | Las Vegas, NV

Feb 18, 2009

I work from home and frequently get bored taking phone calls. I'll browse around the websites but I feel guilty because I do agree that some paparazzi are harrassing these poor people.

by amylewisrn | Columbus, NJ

Feb 18, 2009

I do enjoy TMZ when it comes to getting the celebrity scoop but more to get a glimpse of what life is like for a person that put themselves on display. I am not the sort of person who has a ton of self-confidence when it comes to certain situations and am amazed that these people can be confident and do the things that they do. The thing that makes me feel better is that even these perfect people (in my mind) have flaws. It is just a way to remind me that everyone gains a couple of pounds, or puts on the wrong outfit ever once in a while, not just me. I do believe that the comments on these sits, and in the magazines DO often cross the line and hurt not only the people they are meant towards but all the fans that look up to these celebrities.

by salome | Houston, TX

Feb 17, 2009

I'm not interested in these magazines or websites, bt I do read this them when I have nothing to do in my office because they're available. Even then, I just look at the pictures and headlines and never read any of the stuff because they're probably made up anyway.

by babblbar | Wilmington, IL

Feb 16, 2009

We have made these high priced celebrities and sports players what they are today. By going along and idolizing them and paying the price as tickets inch higher and higher. If we all quit buying celecb magazines, cut back on movie and sport tickets then maybe these outrageous salaries would go down and the ticket prices would go down and the normal people migh tbe able to afford the movies again. Let the welthy share some of that wealth .

by msfriendly | MONROE, WI

Feb 15, 2009

I don't pay too much attention to celebrity news. What a "charmed" life they lead and still aren't happy! Jeez...try living in my shoes for one week : )

by am_i_lost | Centralia, IL

Feb 15, 2009

I don't go to any of the gossip sites. Most are just curel or just plain made up stories! I know that if you're going to be famous they should expect to be in the eye of the camera but good grief!! To be expected to be perfect at all times. And who decides what perfection is? One says; "too fat", another says; "looks great!" Give them some room to live and understand they are human; not perfection.