pros and cons of fame essay

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The Pros and Cons of Being Famous

Is fame really worth it.

Being famous is a dream for many people. The glamour, the attention, and the luxurious lifestyle are often the images that come to mind when people think about being famous. However, fame also comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that are often unseen by the public eye. In this article, we will explore both the pros and cons of being famous, shedding light on the reality behind the glitz and glamour.

While being famous can bring unprecedented opportunities and privileges, it also comes with a whole host of challenges and drawbacks. It's important to understand the full spectrum of what it means to be famous before making assumptions about the lifestyle. Let's delve into the intricacies of fame and uncover its true nature.

Contrary to popular belief, the advantages of being famous extend far beyond just wealth and recognition. While these are undoubtedly significant perks, the benefits of fame go much deeper. Let's explore some of the unexpected advantages that come with being famous.

Missing a pro?

While fame may seem glamorous from the outside, the reality is far more complex. The downsides of being famous can take a significant toll on an individual's personal well-being, privacy, and overall quality of life. It's crucial to examine the less favorable aspects of fame to understand the complete picture.

Missing a con?

In conclusion, the allure of fame is undeniable, but it comes with a multitude of complexities and trade-offs. While the advantages of influence, access, and financial security can be enticing, the price of constant public scrutiny, loss of privacy, and emotional strain should not be underestimated. Being famous is a double-edged sword, offering both extraordinary privileges and significant burdens. It's essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of fame and consider the full spectrum of its implications before aspiring to a life in the spotlight.

#PROSVSCONS

13 Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Famous

Many people dream of becoming famous – whether it’s through their work in film, music, or other areas.

However, being famous has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the coin to help you decide if pursuing fame is worth it.

• Redaction Team
• June 9, 2023
• Digital Marketing , Social Media

Advantages of Being Famous

Despite the downsides of fame, there are also some advantages that come with being a celebrity.

• Opportunities Arise : When you're famous, new opportunities arise that might not be available to you otherwise. Stardom can open doors for you in your career and personal life. For example, a celebrity may receive fancy gifts or be given special tables at restaurants.
• Financial Benefits : Famous people often have a lot of money at their disposal. This can come from endorsement deals, movie or music contracts, and other aspects of their career. They may also be able to charge higher rates for public appearances or endorse products.
• Platform to Make a Difference : Celebrities have a platform that can be used to make a difference in the world. They can use their fame to raise awareness for important causes or advocate for change.
• Exciting Career Opportunities : Being a celebrity opens doors to various career opportunities, such as acting roles, modeling contracts, music albums, book deals, and speaking engagements. Celebrities often have the chance to work on diverse and exciting projects.
• Access to Exclusive Events and Experiences : Celebrities frequently receive invitations to high-profile events, award shows, premieres, and parties. They may also gain exclusive access to luxury products, services, and experiences that are not readily available to the general public.
• Networking and Connections : The celebrity status often leads to connections with influential individuals from various industries. This can help them form valuable professional relationships and collaborations, expanding their opportunities for success.
• Travel and Exploration : Celebrities are given often have the chance to travel extensively for work or personal reasons. They may visit exotic locations, attend international events, and experience diverse cultures, all while having the means to enjoy these experiences.

Disadvantages of Being Famous

While there are certainly some perks to being famous, there are also some downsides and disadvantages of being a celebrity that shouldn’t be overlooked.

• Lack of Privacy : One of the biggest complaints that famous people have is the lack of privacy that comes with their fame. Celebrities have no privacy. Everywhere they go, they're followed by paparazzi and fans who want a glimpse of their favorite celebrity. They may also receive a lot of fan mail that can be overwhelming or difficult to keep up with.
• Constant Scrutiny : Because of their fame, celebrities are under constant scrutiny. Everything they do is analyzed and criticized by the public. This can be incredibly stressful and lead to negative mental health impacts over time.
• Difficulty Maintaining Relationships : It's not easy to maintain relationships when you're constantly on the go and in the public eye. Many celebrities struggle to keep their personal relationships strong due to the pressures of their career.
• Celebrities Get Special Treatment : Some people believe that famous people get special treatment wherever they go. They may be given freebies or be seated at special tables at restaurants. While this might seem like a perk, it can also lead to an inflated ego or unrealistic expectations of how the world works.
• Pressure to Maintain Image : Celebrities must always be conscious of their image in the public eye. This can lead to pressure to maintain a certain look or persona that might not be authentic to who they are as a person.
• Difficulty Living a "Normal" Life : Living a normal life becomes much more difficult when you're famous. Everything you do is scrutinized and criticized by the public, and you may not be able to do things that others take for granted.

Conclusion of Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Famous

As we’ve seen, being famous has both advantages and disadvantages. While it certainly opens doors and provides financial benefits, it also comes with a lack of privacy, constant scrutiny, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Celebrities must strike a balance between living a “normal” life and maintaining their image in the public eye. Ultimately, whether or not pursuing fame is worth the downsides is up to the individual, similar to the famous entrepreneur examples .

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The Positive And Negative Effects Of Fame And Being A Celebrity

When asked what they would like to be when they grow up, the top 5 responses by children were all in the entertainment industry. All of them careers that come with fame and celebrity in a culture that worships celebrities and their outrageous lifestyles. It makes sense that children and people, in general, would gravitate towards that. What we need to critically engage with especially in the age of social media when you are just a viral clip away from fame and celebrity is the dangers and negative effects that come along with it.

Top 10 careers children aspire to

In descending order, the top 10 things children would like to do career-wise when they grow up:

• YouTuber – 34.2%
• Blogger/vlogger – 18.10%
• Musician/singer – 16%
• Actor – 15.7%
• Filmmaker – 13.6%
• Doctor/Nurse – 13.4%
• T.V. presenter – 12.4%
• Athlete – 11.9% /Teacher – 11.9%
• Writer – 8.4%
• Lawyer – 6.4%

Advantages of fame and the celebrity lifestyle

Fame and celebrity generally come with or attract and create opportunities to make a lot of money. In a culture in which your quality of life is -all factors held constant- directly proportional to your bank balance, there is something to be said for a career that brings with it truckloads of money. The wealth porn the media subjects us to from luxurious homes and cars to expensive clothes and other materialistic pleasures also draws us in, adults and children alike.

Celebrity treatment

Celebrities get special treatment everywhere they go. Who wouldn’t want that? Then there’s the recognition everywhere they go and the ego boost that comes with that and fan adoration. Fame and celebrity ensure that you are seen and acknowledged, maybe even publicly loved in a culture in which many people feel less and less seen.

Negative effects of fame and celebrity

Emotional stress and unrealistic expectations.

Fame and celebrity increase your visibility. While this visibility can boost your opportunities to make money, it can also have extremely negative effects. Being in the public eye opens you up to people’s comments, opinions, and expectations. All these diverse opinions about your life, criticism of you, and expectations about your conduct can cause extreme emotional stress. Most comments are also often cruel and insensitive because of the anonymity of social media.

Social media in particular is fertile ground for bullying. Content creators whether children or adults have to deal with opinions and criticism about everything from their appearance to how they sound and everything in between. You end up in a situation where you are constantly forced to play a part in order to stay on the right side of things with your audience.

Fame is fickle so you can’t afford to mess up or hold any contrary views for fear of losing it all. This pressure to maintain a certain acceptable public persona can result in psychological conditions like anxiety disorders , eating disorders , substance use disorders , depression , and chronic stress.

For people who edit their own videos, there’s the constant finding of flaws in your appearance as you compare yourself to others who are considered conventionally beautiful. Human beings are not designed to withstand the onslaught that comes with having your life exposed to all and criticized by all and sundry.

Commodification and exploitation

The public knows more about what’s happening in the lives of their favourite celebrities than they know about current affairs. Sure, current affairs can be depressing and boring, but the media also increasingly focuses on sensationalism to drive traffic to their sites. For them, celebrities and the famous are commodities to exploit and profit from.

The media will share details whether public or personal, regardless of the negative light they may cast the person in, and sometimes even without any consideration about the veracity of the story. This is standard practice and one that is guaranteed if one achieves fame and celebrity.

It’s not just the media that tries to make money off you but also other opportunistic people and corporations around you. This engenders trust issues because you feel like you don’t know who you can reasonably trust and end up trusting no one. This commodification and exploitation that comes with fame and celebrity can be detrimental to one’s physical and mental health.

Famous people are also subjected to extreme media coverage which brings with it an increase in anxiety and the fear of being stalked. Extreme media coverage and intrusion ensures that your life is not your own but other people somehow can claim ownership of it. This also exacerbates any mental health conditions present.

For children specifically

Fame and celebrity come even easier for children in the age of starting Instagram accounts for newborns. Children often do not consent to having their pictures and lives documented and shared on social media. Young children while they are still in their cute years can easily be manipulated and exploited by their parents for financial gain. They are forced to deal with overt and covert pressure to keep performing in the individual or family social media channel especially if it is profitable. There’s also no way to know how a child will respond to the pressures of fame and celebrity.  Parenting: The Dangers Of Posting Your Children’s Photos Online

Contrary to the claims of social media, fame and celebrity is not all roses. If you find yourself gravitating towards a desire for fame, engage in some self-reflection to find out why that is the case. We are often programmed by society to desire things uncritically, things that upon further scrutiny we may even find we don’t really want.

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Is Becoming Famous Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Seeking Fame

Hey there! As an investment analyst who studies entertainment industry trends, this is a fascinating question I get all the time: can you actually get famous at any age? The short answer is yes – with the right talent, drive, and dose of luck, fame can come at any stage of life.

That said, the peak years for achieving fame are still typically your 20s and 30s , when most celebrities first gain widespread public recognition. But plenty of examples exist of people who didn‘t make it big until middle age or beyond.

In this guide, I‘ll analyze the data around fame and age more deeply. You‘ll also get my insider expertise on the best strategies for seeking fame at any age. Let‘s dive in!

Median Ages for Achieving Fame

According to a fascinating Harvard study, here are the median ages people became famous over the past century:

• Early 1800s: 43 years old
• Mid 1900s: 34 years old
• Today: 29 years old

So the age of fame is trending younger in modern times. But 29 is still well beyond age 18-21 when most first dream of "making it big."

When Actors and Musicians Reach Fame

Looking closer at celebrities, more data shows:

• The average actor lands their star-making role at age 30 .
• The average age a musician first reaches the Billboard Hot 100 charts is 25 years old .

So while late teens/early 20s success happens, mid-late 20s is more typical for singers and actors.

Achieving Fame as an Author

For authors, renown comes even later. The average age for publishing a breakout bestselling novel is 36 years old .

So creative fields still tend to favor youth – but less so than modeling, dance or athletics. There‘s wiggle room.

Is It Possible to Get Famous After Age 30, 40 or 50?

Absolutely! While more rare, fame past age 30 and even 50+ occurs frequently, especially in arts, politics and business.

Some inspiring examples include:

• Vera Wang – Broke through as a fashion designer at age 40.
• Betty White – Reached new levels of fame in comedy starting in her late 60s.
• Harrison Ford – His first blockbuster Star Wars role came at age 35.
• Toni Morrison – Published her first novel at 39 and won a Nobel Prize at 62.
• Julia Child – Published her first cookbook at age 50 which launched her career.
• Nelson Mandela – Elected South Africa‘s first black president at age 75 after decades of activism.

So while youth provides some advantage, it‘s never too late if you have the persistence, courage and vision.

Strategies for Seeking Fame at Any Age

No matter your age, here are my recommended strategies for pursuing fame in a strategic, healthy way:

Play to Your Strengths

Objectively analyze your skills, experience and talents then select the best path for you. Trying to force unrealistic goals will only lead to frustration.

Work Smarter – And Harder

Outwork the competition while honing your craft. But also leverage technology, data and marketing to spread your message.

Build Your Brand and Image

Curate a professional look, online identity and style fitting your goals. Image matters, so control the narrative.

Network Fearlessly

Seek out mentors, collaborators and connections relentlessly. Half of success is showing up.

Persist Through Setbacks

You will face rejection and criticism. Let it fuel, not deter you. Resilience and grit are key.

Monitor Mental Health

Fame is stressful. Surround yourself with supports and stay grounded as pressure mounts.

Have Patience

Fame, influence and mastery often come from years of obscurity. Avoid short-term thinking.

Handling Ageism and Stereotypes

Sadly, ageism does exist in entertainment and other realms. Combat bias by:

• Cultivating a youthful, vibrant image.
• Partnering with younger creators.
• Using updated platforms like TikTok.
• Focusing on novel ideas and skills, not past experience.

spotlighting your energy and relevance. With effort, age fades as a factor.

Remember What Truly Matters

While rewarding if achieved, fame alone won‘t bring lasting fulfillment. Keep perspective on deeper sources of meaning like faith, family, service and strong values. Grounding yourself in purpose beyond the fickle validation of fame is key to longevity.

Summing It All Up

At the end of the day, reaching fame at any age comes down to talent, effort and luck. While the odds and obstacles grow after youth, you control far more than you imagine.

Maintaining groundedness, developing resilience and focusing on your unique strengths and vision allow fame to come at any stage of life. Forget the timelines and expectations of others.

Fame ultimately matters less than the difference you make through your contributions. But if you can responsibly leverage fame to spread your message, by all means pursue it fearlessly whenever the opportunity arises!

I hope this guide brings you new motivation and ideas for pursuing your dreams at any age, famous or not. Wishing you great success ahead!

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How Do Celebrities Influence Society? Celebrity Culture Positive Effects

Can there be any positive effects of idolizing celebrities? You might doubt that…

The phenomenon of celebrity culture has become an integral part of modern society. All kinds of media constantly report on the lives of stars: not only on their professional achievements but also on personal relationships. And this can’t go without trace – celebrities’ influence on society is huge, especially on youth. In this essay, you will learn about the positive and negative effects of celebrity culture on society and how famous stars can be a source of inspiration and motivation for individuals.

• Introduction
• Negative Effects
• Positive Effects

Introduction – How Do Celebrities Influence Society?

Nowadays, all media sources are full of news about different celebrities. They appear in magazines, newspapers, on television, and the Internet. This century is marked by various innovations in mass media and the cultivation of the culture of celebrities. Several decades ago, most children wanted to become engineers, pilots, or doctors. However, these days their priorities have drastically changed. Many children dream of becoming famous actors, singers, or showmen. Moreover, adults are also affected by the developed celebrity industry. The famous represent an easy lifestyle that looks very appealing for people who have to work hard to earn money and support their families. Therefore, it changes people’s goals and ways to achieve them. In addition, many individuals ignore their personalities and try to imitate celebrities’ behaviors. The main goals of this paper are to demonstrate that the famous serve as role models to many regular people, negatively affecting their behaviors and the whole culture of modern societies, and discuss the reasons that led to the rapid rise of the celebrity industry.

Negative Effects of Celebrity Culture

There are several reasons for such a significant development of celebrity culture. First, the expansion of mass media has made the news about famous people one of the most discussed topics. Celebrities have been “reconstituted as the overexposed individuals of contemporary life” (Marshal 12). The same situation is happening with other media sources. Such news attracts much attention and enhances consumption across different classes in society. The pace of the development of the celebrity industry has never been so fast. However, there are no signals that it has reached any limits. Media companies along with movie and music industries have become more powerful. The development of the media machine makes the process of creating a celebrity much easier. Various shows exploit the temptation of humans to become famous. The entertainment industry creates celebrities by means of such shows. For example, the Idol TV program demonstrates several contestants whose main goal is to become more popular through their performances. The very fact that a person appears on the screen or in a magazine makes them a part of the celebrity industry. The phenomenon of “YouTube” also deserves particular attention. This media source offers opportunities to become famous to everybody. The cultivation of such a culture has become a world-scale issue.

However, another reason for the intense promotion of popular actors, singers, and sportsmen is the demands of the general public. Consumers not only accept celebrities as a part of society but also feel the need for them (Williamson 35). People perceive them as idols and admire their talents and accomplishments. In addition, the general public is eager to know all the personal details about the lives of their icons. However, it is not easy to determine what information should be hidden:

Celebrity is a very public form of discourse about the dimensions of what is public and what is private and, ultimately what is intimate. The level of exposure – the capacity of our technologies to record and to transmit images, texts, and sounds – and online culture that has new expectations of exposure have helped expand our comfort with public intimacy (Marshal 12).

Consumers buy journals and magazines to read about people who they barely know. Also, various blogs of famous people on the Internet attract the attention of millions of people. Celebrities post photos of their breakfast or pets and twit some statements because they know that the public is very interested in this information. Celebrity worship syndrome has become a serious problem worldwide. Nowadays, there is a high demand for psychologists who can help people to overcome this mental condition. The syndrome has several levels of intensity. Some individuals even commit suicides when they find out that their idols got engaged or married.

However, celebrities have to pay for such a life with their own privacy. There are many conflicts between famous figures and media companies. Some of them do not want to share private facts about their lives, but reporters, journalists, and other paparazzi reveal their secrets without permission (Lenig 203). Although many public figures deliberately use the media to create a striking or shocking image, most of them prefer being portrayed as perfect as possible.

There are other attributes of being famous that attract the general public. One of the most important aspects is money. The financial success of popular media figures breeds envy and admiration in regular people. Celebrities receive enormous fees for their movies or concerts (Jerym 38). However, these are not the only sources of income. Famous people often participate in promotional campaigns or support a particular brand. Advertisements are another huge industry that contributes to the cultivation of celebrity culture. Popular figures endorse different types of products that are used worldwide like sports clothing, IT technology, alcoholic drinks, and many others. Most people know that celebrities are paid a substantial amount of money for short advertisements, and such work does not require too much effort. Therefore, working-class communities that need to pay their loans and often have to do harsh jobs become jealous.

Members of societies that are obsessed with entertainment and celebrities are deeply affected by these industries. The famous have a significant impact on almost every aspect of the lives of regular people including political opinions, fashion trends, interests, behaviors, and attitudes (Levy 62). However, the most affected are children and teenagers. Mass media changes their developing worldviews and forms new goals and values. Many students are ready to give up schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in order to appear on billboards and become famous. They do not believe that they can be successful in working in other fields. In addition, teenagers tend to think that vocational skills are not necessary as they can earn enough money in film or music industries without qualifications.

The general public is strongly influenced by the celebrities’ misbehaviors. Many people believe that if they imitate the lifestyles of famous people, it will help them achieve success and fame. Celebrities are arrested for drunk driving, drug abuse, or other types of misconduct. Although regular people break laws as well, media presents such stories that involve public figures in a way that encourages individuals to act similarly. Media shows that celebrities spend their leisure time in clubs and different parties, cultivating the culture of sex, drugs, and alcohol. Many people are against such representation because it negatively affects the minds of their children.

Positive Effects of Celebrity Culture

Although celebrities have negative impacts on a culture of societies, there are positive effects as well. Public figures that promote ethical values and make responsible decisions influence individuals in a favorable way (Gornstein 16). Many famous people support social justice and make significant contributions when natural disasters strike. If children are not obsessed with delusions and misleading ideas, the celebrity industry can be very helpful. Popular people can set great examples of appropriate behaviors and attitudes. For example, many of them support humanitarian campaigns, participate in discussions regarding social problems, raise money for people who suffer deprivation, donate to medical organizations, and promote philanthropism. Also, celebrities who live decent lives serve as positive role models for the general public. They emphasize the importance of traditional norms like honest relationships and personal integrity. In addition, some popular people help to improve self-esteem in low-confident individuals. For example, imitating the haircut or fashion style of a famous person can enhance confidence and assertiveness.

Another positive effect is that the celebrity industry cultivates extraverted personalities. The main purpose of famous people is to entertain and spread the fun. Celebrity worship might be harmless and even beneficial because it broadens people’s interests as they discover new topics in which their icon involved. In addition, it helps people improve their communication skills as they meet with other fans and discuss news and event associated with their object of admiration. Also, celebrities can positively impact society and the environment. For example, some public figures actively participate in resolving various global problems like the protection of wild animals or climate change. Some of them are active members of important environmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace, or the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They raise awareness among international communities on environmental issues (Gornstein 188). Also, many celebrities advocate of a green lifestyle, drug-free societies, sport, and healthy families. Such public figures have a highly favorable effect on individuals and communities. In addition, many of them attract attention to different social issues like poverty, charity, education, and cultural awareness. Many famous people complete college and university programs and are interested in politics, literature, history, and other intellectual topics. They often give public speeches for students in different schools. Therefore, they can also underline the importance of intellectual development.

In conclusion, celebrities significantly affect the lives of regular people. Due to the fast development of new technologies, mass media become a powerful tool for the promotion of different ideas and concepts. Famous people are one of the most popular topics in the world, and various media agencies exploit the phenomenon of celebrity culture to make a profit. However, it has many negative effects on individuals and communities. The way that the media presents the lifestyles of public figures is often distorted. Media sources are mostly focused on personal failures and misbehaviors of famous actors, singers, showmen, sportsmen, and other celebrities. They reveal the most shameful secrets and make them objects for discussions throughout the world. However, such news not only entertains the audience but also affects its perceptions and worldviews. Many people began to believe that they can find easier ways to achieve success. Some of them leave schools and colleges because they want to become famous. The idea of getting rich and popular without significant efforts is very appealing for many individuals.

However, the celebrity industry might have positive effects on the culture of modern societies as well. Many famous people promote noble and worthy ideas like the importance of ethical values, moral norms, education, family, and many others. They also advocate for various environmental and social programs. However, in most cases, the drawbacks of the celebrity industry outweigh its advantages. Therefore, it is necessary to focus more on positive aspects and try to reduce the intensity of the unfavorable effects of famous people on the culture of modern societies.

Gornstein, Leslie. The Celebrity Playbook: The Insider’s Guide to Living Like a Star , Skyhorse Publishing, 2014.

Jerym, Deborah, et al. Women, Celebrity and Cultures of Ageing: Freeze Frame . Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2015.

Lenig, Steve. “McNamara, Kim. Paparazzi: Media Practices and Celebrity Culture.” Current Reviews for Academic Libraries ,vol. 54,no. 2, 2016, p. 203.

Levy, Michael. Celebrity and Entertainment Obsession: Understanding Our Addiction , Rowman& Littlefield Publishers, 2015.

Marshal, David. Celebrity and Power: Fame in Contemporary Culture . University of Minnesota Press, 2014.

Williamson, Milly. Celebrity: Capitalism and the Making of Fame , Polity Press, 2016.

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IvyPanda. (2023, February 18). How Do Celebrities Influence Society? Celebrity Culture Positive Effects. https://ivypanda.com/essays/celebrity-culture-positive-effects/

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IvyPanda . 2023. "How Do Celebrities Influence Society? Celebrity Culture Positive Effects." February 18, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/celebrity-culture-positive-effects/.

1. IvyPanda . "How Do Celebrities Influence Society? Celebrity Culture Positive Effects." February 18, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/celebrity-culture-positive-effects/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "How Do Celebrities Influence Society? Celebrity Culture Positive Effects." February 18, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/celebrity-culture-positive-effects/.

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Ielts essay # 494 - being a celebrity brings problems as well as benefits, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, being a celebrity - such as famous film star or sports personality - brings problems as well as benefits., do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems.

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The Fragility of Social Media Fame

What goes up can come crashing down..

Posted March 30, 2021 | Reviewed by Chloe Williams

• Social media fame is more fragile and less likely to endure compared to the celebrity of actors and musicians.
• Influencers' success relies less on their content and more on their ability to maintain an emotional connection with their fans, which can change quickly.
• Fans are more reactive than ever to influencers behaving badly or violating social norms.
• Brands fall to the same whims as fans and can't afford to maintain a relationship with an influencer whose behavior violates consumers' values.

Many successful people will tell you that fame is illusory at best. That doesn’t make wealth, privilege and adoration look less fun from the outside. Social media fame is particularly alluring when we hear stories of "overnight" success and the economics of monetizing millions of followers based on personality , chutzpah, and when the ability to attract attention are the critical talents, not years of studying Method Acting or busking on street corners.

Fame can come quickly as memes spread and followers, like moths to a flame, go with what burns brightest. Celebrity has its perks, but it also can undermine values and encourage bad behavior, especially when fame is accompanied by a lack of (or lag in) accountability. Audacity, however, is only as sustainable as the last outrageous prank and, ultimately, can’t offset bad behavior. The cost is immediate, as we see with the mass exodus of sponsors from David Dobrik's social channels over accusations of sexual misconduct against one of Dobrik's Vlog Squad members.

Social media fame is more fragile and less likely to endure compared to the celebrity of actors and musicians. It may seem like some traditional performers became famous “overnight,” but almost all worked for many years cultivating their craft and building a resume, hoping for a break-out moment. While traditional celebrity certainly takes advantage of social media for fan engagement, social media fame is different. It has created a new class of celebrity — influencers — that takes advantage of network connectivity, peer-to-peer communication and bandwagon behaviors so information and influence spread faster. This works well for fame based on the ability to attract attention through zealous extroversion , appeal, and a willingness to push the envelope rather than traditional performance skills.

Why Social Media Fame Is So Unstable

While some influencers are able to monetize their fame at the peak, there is no long-term security in a skillset that is reliant on fans searching for the next new thing. This means that social media fame relies more on the fans’ sense of connection to the influencer rather than the influencer's talent and skill. Success is defined by the fans' attachment for the influencer and the psychological pay-off they get from the sense of affiliation and fan identity .

The perception of a relationship, albeit one-sided is what Horton & Wohl (1956) defined as a parasocial relationship. This sense of connection is enhanced by production techniques that emphasize "realness" and authenticity , unscripted spontaneity, breaking the fourth wall (speaking directly to the camera lens), and encouraging interactivity through comments and sharing. The illusion of personal connection is further amplified by content designed to activate emotions — humor , anxiety , or disgust. It doesn’t matter as long as there is some emotional reaction to the content that makes it more memorable, sharable, and, dare I say, meaningful.

When an actor gives a bad performance, fans may be disappointed, but they do not feel personally rejected or offended. By contrast, social media fame is a much more personal relationship. Fans relate to the influencer as if they knew them and are more likely to feel disappointed, disrespected, or rejected by influencers behaving badly or violating social norms that their fans endorse. Fans are also more likely to be drawn into influencer drama and follow the crowd when tides turn. There’s no social capital in being a fan of a has-been or social outcast.

Celebrity can be stressful and even disorienting (Turner, 2014). For influencers, there is no difference between their public and private selves. While they may be playing a “role” in their minds, they are not in the eyes of the audience. Fans are more reactive than ever right now, thanks to the strain and anxiety from COVID. Social isolation makes influencer relationships more impactful and suffering disappointment over them more intensely felt.

In the US, we love to put celebrities up on pedestals as if they were "above it all." When they misbehave, as most do when they believe in their own superiority, we take great relish pulling them back down to earth to show them and us that they’re not so special after all. It makes us feel better about ourselves.

This is a tough time to tumble down from the heights. Between the social hypersensitivity to social justice issues and the knee-jerk tendency to "cancel" people based on the behavior or word of others (often without nuance or regard to facts), there is a perfect storm for a crash and burn event like Dobrik's that few influencers can withstand. Brands are subject to the same consumer whims that drive fan behavior but, unlike celebrities who can sometimes benefit from bad press, brands don't have that luxury. They will jump ship at the first sign of any serious social transgressions. For influencers basking in sudden fame and wealth, the trajectory down from those dizzying and lucrative heights can be equally steep.

Horton, D., & Wohl, R. R. (1956). Mass Communication and Para-social Interaction. Psychiatry, 19, 215-219.

Turner, G. (2013). Understanding Celebrity (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

Pamela Rutledge, Ph.D., M.B.A. , is the Director of the Media Psychology Research Center and a professor of media psychology at Fielding Graduate University.

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Essay 2 – Being a celebrity brings problems as well as benefits

Gt writing task 2 (essay writing) sample # 2.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Being a celebrity – such as famous film star or sports personalit y – brings problems as well as benefits.

Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: (View: being a celebrity brings more benefits.) A celebrity reaps many advantages and demerits from being famous. The public perception is that popular figures do not enjoy a personal life. However, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I believe that being famous has more pros than cons.

To commence with, celebrities can lead a life full of luxury. They, usually, can bring many fortunes to themselves and their family. Celebrated figures – particularly movie stars and successful athletes – are generally richer than the average public. Expensive clothes, luxurious cars and homes, and other materialistic pleasures of life translate dreams into reality when a person becomes famous. Moreover, the noted personalities have many admirers. Fan’s respect and love, very often, inspire famous people to achieve greater success. Furthermore, plenty of opportunities are opened up when people become renowned. For instance, someone like Cristiano Ronaldo leads a life that is enviable by others.

On the flip side of the coin, many a time, celebrities hate being famous. First of all, people incessantly judge superstars. Magazines, tabloids, newspapers, social networks, and other forms of media are quick to criticize a celebrity on his habits, personality, and personal affairs. The scandalous reports are common to many popular personalities. Sometimes a celebrity is traumatized by fake stories. Second, celebrities often cannot do things that common people can. They are mobbed by adoring fans wherever they go. Take Tom Cruise for an example – what would happen if he walks down to a shopping mall on a regular day? He would be hounded for selfies and autographs.

In conclusion, being famous is a double-edged sword for many. However, the fame and fortune brought by celebrities outweigh the negative aspects. After all, everything has its cost but who would not want to cherish life and fame due to a small price?

Model Answer 2: (View: being a celebrity has more drawbacks) While we envy the lavish lifestyle, fame, designer clothes and luxury cars famous people enjoy, we fail to realise the cost these celebrities have to pay. They are subject to propaganda, media scrutiny, work pressure and the heinous invasion of their personal life. Thus I believe that being a high-profile person who gets media attention has more drawbacks than benefits.

To begin with, expensive houses, posh cars, and pictures in leading newspapers do not define the life we lead. Thus no matter how glorious the lives of celebrities seem from the outside, they are people like us and want to enjoy life to its fullest. However, the way their privacy is intruded upon and gossip are formulated, they are subject to raging attack and it is difficult for them to have a normal life. For instance, propaganda and conflicts have ruined the life and career of many young celebrities in Hollywood and this is still happening.

Moreover, being a famous sportsperson or movie star does not mean that life is struggle free. They have to prove their worth to sustain their career and for this, they often sacrifice their personal life. Regrettably, a diehard fan of a movie star does not stop behaving irrationally when he comes in contact with this icon. This is quite unexpected, especially for someone who believes there are so many people to support him. To have a meaningful life and to enjoy it, we need a caring family, friends, faith in us and economic freedom. No doubt celebrities have a steady flow of money, but not a normal life and caring relationship with ordinary people.

To conclude, being famous is something everybody desires but this is a two-edged sword. If money and fame become the main objectives of life, we will miss so many aspects of a joyful life which is often the case for famous people.

Model Answer 3: (View: being a celebrity brings more benefits.) Being a celebrity, whether it be a famous film star or sports personality, undoubtedly brings its own set of challenges and benefits. While it is true that there are problems associated with celebrity status, I firmly believe that the benefits outweigh them.

Firstly, being a celebrity means having the ability to influence and inspire people on a large scale. Many famous personalities use their platform to advocate for social causes, raise awareness about important issues and contribute to charity work. For example, Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie has been actively involved in humanitarian work, using her celebrity status to draw attention to global issues such as refugee rights and child welfare. This is just one of the many examples of how celebrities can leverage their fame for the greater good.

Secondly, being a celebrity often translates into financial stability and a luxurious lifestyle. With fame comes endorsement deals, high-paying movie or sports contracts, and other lucrative opportunities. This not only provides the celebrity with a comfortable living but also has the potential to positively impact the economy by generating revenue and creating job opportunities.

While it is true that there are problems associated with celebrity status, such as privacy invasion, paparazzi harassment, and unrealistic expectations from fans, these issues can be managed by taking appropriate measures. Celebrities often have access to legal and security resources that can help protect their privacy and safety.

In conclusion, the benefits of being a celebrity far outweigh the problems associated with it. The ability to influence and inspire people on a large scale, financial stability and the potential to positively impact the economy are just some of the benefits. Overall, being a celebrity can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Model Answer 4: (View: being a celebrity has more problems) Being a celebrity, whether it is a famous film star, musician or sports personality, is often considered a dream come true. However, with fame comes a host of problems that can be overwhelming. In this essay, I will argue that being a celebrity brings more problems than benefits.

It is true that being a celebrity can bring recognition and fame, which can lead to opportunities and privileges that others may not have. For instance, they may get exclusive invitations to events, access to luxury experiences, and receive special treatment in public places. Moreover, celebrities can leverage their fame to generate income from various sources, such as endorsements, sponsorships, and appearances.

However, the problems associated with fame and endorsement are also huge for celebrities. One of the biggest problems that come with being a celebrity is a lack of privacy. Celebrities are constantly in the public eye, and their every move is scrutinized by the media and their fans. They are often followed by paparazzi, who will do anything to get a picture of them. This lack of privacy can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, as well as the feeling of being constantly watched.

Another problem that celebrities face is the pressure to always be perfect. Celebrities are expected to be role models for their fans, and any mistakes they make can be blown out of proportion. They are often criticized for everything from their fashion choices to their personal lives. This constant scrutiny can be extremely stressful and can lead to a lot of anxiety and depression. It even has a toll on their relationship and personal life.

In conclusion, being a celebrity might seem like a glamorous lifestyle, but it comes with a host of problems that can be overwhelming. From a lack of privacy and constant scrutiny, to the pressure to be perfect and struggles with relationships, celebrities face many challenges that can be difficult to cope with. Therefore, I believe that being a celebrity brings more troubles than benefits.

3 Comments to “Essay 2 – Being a celebrity brings problems as well as benefits”

This was really helpful… Thank you so much 😊

Your essay is good, but I need one pros essay and another cons essay.

Good, not bad.

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Essay on The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Famous

To be famous is to be known to a lot of people. This has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.

Famous persons get attention wherever they go. As a result, they may find that it is easier for them to get good service in restaurants or other public places. The common people often are captivated by famous people and usually go out of their way to help them.

A famous singer gets to make a lot of money from his songs. A famous sportsman earns a small fortune from his successes and sponsorship from firms. On the whole, fame brings with it financial rewards as well as a giant boost to the person’s ego.

However famous people do not have everything their way. They do have to pay a price for their fame, and the price is often too great.

As famous people get attention from others the attention is not always welcome. Since they are famous and everyone knows them, they often become the target of newspapers, magazines, gossips and sometimes madmen.

A famous person does not have much of private life. His private life is publicized by the media until he has no peace. Everything he does is recorded, edited and often exaggerated to suit the media. He often has to hide or hire bodyguards to protect himself from others.

Sometimes famous persons become the target of men who hold something against them. John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy were all victims of assassins. That was the price they paid for being famous. Others, like Ronald Reagan, were luckier. They live to tell of their narrow escape from the hands of would-be assassins. Still, they have to live with the possibility that some other madmen may come along another day to do their dirty work.

A person becomes famous because he has performed something extraordinary that caught the attention of the media: in doing so he is actually trapping himself in his own achievement, that is, if he fails to achieve what he had done before he is likely to become the target of criticisms. He will fall from grace in the eyes of the public. This does nothing good for his ego. Muhammad Ail the boxer who was so famous at one time is seen as nothing more of a joke now ever since he lost his ability to fight. So has so many others like him. The same had even committed suicide. Fame has a terrible price.

It is better to leave fame alone, Its disadvantages far outweigh its advantages. I would rather be an ordinary person who can go for a peaceful walk down the road instead of being surrounded by bodyguards to protect me from ordinary people.

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Redwood Bark

The best and worst of both worlds: downsides of being a child celebrity.

Art by Kalyn Dawes

Sophie Smallhorn April 17, 2020

During a regular lunch break at Marin Country Day School, a film crew asked to interview eighth-grader Mercer Henderson, about two apps she had recently developed. Henderson is the founder of Audiots, an application that allows users to add sound to their emojis. She also developed FriendIts, a virtual setting where users create personalized communities to swap clothing and accessories. Since then, the rising entrepreneur has gained additional popularity for her singing and songwriting through platforms like Instagram and Youtube. Now a junior at the Bay School, Henderson experiences a typical teenage life while also keeping up with her pop singer status. 

Balancing the two lifestyles of a teenager and a celebrity is not always possible. Childhood stars who choose to fully pursue their path to fame often face unwarranted consequences. Drug or alcohol addiction, mental health struggles, or felonies are common impediments to their careers and often make it difficult to regain credibility. Michael Jackson, Amanda Bynes, Lindsay Lohan, and Macaulay Culkin (known for playing Kevin in Home Alone) were untroubled child actors until they collapsed under the pressures of being a celebrity at a young age. Today, gossip websites such as TMZ, Daily Mail Online, or Hollywood Life can tear down the reputations of any celebrity and ruin careers in an instant. Celebrity scandals can be especially difficult to cope with if the victim is a child. 

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop who reigned throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, suffered from what the press coined as “Peter Pan Syndrome”. While the psychology condition is not a real medical diagnosis, it refers to adults that prefer to remain in a state of childhood innocence. From a young age, Jackson was required to practice music for at least two or three hours every day. When he performed for his father, the standards were high. In his 1988 autobiography, Moonwalk, Jackson wrote, “If you messed up, you got hit, sometimes with a belt, sometimes with a switch.”

Jackson’s short-lived childhood affected him later in his career when he was accused of molesting a child in 1993. “I am not guilty of these allegations,” Jackson said at the time, adding that he loved children of all ages and races and enjoyed his absent childhood through them. The case was settled out of court, acquitting Jackson on all counts. 

Former actress, Mara Wilson, starring in the 1996 film Matilda , wrote an article called “7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insider’s Perspective)” where she claims poor parenting to be a primary reason why young celebrities become mentally unstable. 

“Kids whose parents pushed them into the spotlight often grow up to resent them. They never had a choice, and worse, they never had the chance to be a kid,” Wilson wrote, despite her own experience which she claims was positive and not forced by her parents. Becoming famous can also take a toll on family relationships. The divorce of Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin’s parents resulted in disputes about who should control Culkin’s multimillion-dollar trust. These familial issues were likely what caused Culkin to unhinge. A Huffington Post article published in 2017 reported claims of Culkin being depressed after severe heroin addiction. He also struggled with the “Peter Pan Syndrome”, as demonstrated by his unusual childlike tendencies such as throwing costume parties as an adult. An insider close to Culkin explained to the Huffington Post, “He likes to live as a child. Growing up has not been good on Macaulay.” 

Other celebrities have felt that sexualizing themselves was necessary to escape their childhood persona. The youngest generation of Disney channel fans looked up to Miley Cyrus, whose undercover pop star identity was Hannah Montana. However, Cyrus’ reign of innocence ended the night of her 2013 VMA performance with Robin Thicke, where she shocked her fanbase by sticking out her tongue and twerking on stage. 

In a Fox News interview following the performance, Kirsten Haglund, former Miss America asked, “Why is it that a young girl has to feel that this is the way to get attraction and attention, and to be culturally relevant today? And I don’t hear as many people criticizing Robin Thicke for being a part of that performance; he’s a married man, he has children, and he could have said no to being a part of those raunchy dance moves.”

Young female celebrities are especially prone to be sexualized in entertainment culture. Not only does sexualization force young stars into an unwanted mature role, but it also can deteriorate their mental health. In a 2007 report, The American Psychological Association’s Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls revealed that the objectification of kids in the media negatively affects girls’ body confidence and sexual self-image, commonly resulting in eating disorders, lowered self-esteem, and depression.  

These long-standing societal trends have not faded, with 15 year-old celebrities already falling victim to “hundreds of thousands” of degrading sexual comments, as mentioned by current Tik Tok stars Dixie and Charlie D’Amelio.  

“ Grown men thinking it’s funny to say inappropriate things and make fun of a 15year-old are disrespectful and pathetic. I have feelings. Most of these people are adult men; grow up and stop sexualizing teens. It’s not funny, it’s gross!” D’Amelio tweeted to condemn the indecent comments. 

There is no simple solution to the various issues that stem from childhood fame. However, a negative reputation ceases to exist when childhood celebrities stay true to themselves. Mercer Henderson has managed to stay on the right path by working her job at a comfortable pace. Henderson continues to surround herself with close friends and balances school with songwriting and filming music videos. Even when a TV show asked to cover Henderson’s life at home, she declined the offer. 

“[The producers] were like, ‘Show us the bad parts so we can make a TV show out of it’… They wanted me to be bossy, and that’s not me at all,” Henderson said. 

One of Henderson’s main takeaways from her music journey was to not let anyone tell her who she is. 

“Stay true to you in the whole process. I did get opportunities, like those TV shows reaching out to me, but I [realized] this isn’t who I want to be yet.” Henderson said.

• charlie d'amelio
• childhood celebrity
• childhood fame
• mercer henderson
• michael jackson
• miley cyrus

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C1/C2: The Life of a Celeb – Fame Vocabulary

This is a vocabulary lesson plan for C1/C2 students on the topic of fame and celebrities. Students read a text on the pros and cons of fame, examine some advanced expressions on the topic, then put them into practice in a Cambridge-style exercise, a discussion and a debate. Download the handout below, you’ll find the key for the key word transformations on page 3:

Part 1: Pre-reading

• What type of people do you think want to be famous?
• What do you think are some of the most common pros and cons of fame?
• What is the stereotypical story of the life of a child star?
• What advice would you give to someone who still wants to be famous despite the cons?

Part 2: Reading

Read the text.

Does it mention anything you discussed in part 1?

The life of a celeb isn’t all a bed of roses, you know. It really is a double-edged sword and it’s difficult to know if the pros outweigh the cons. Being in the limelight 24/7 can’t be good for your mental health. Being under constant scrutiny, having every aspect of your life dissected by the tabloids, it’s enough to drive you round the bend. It’s no wonder so many child stars go off the rails in such a spectacular fashion. They get their big breaks and rise to fame at such a young age then burn out in a blaze of glory for all to see. Keeping your feet on the ground is no mean feat when you’re surrounded by so many hangers-on blowing smoke up your backside. It must be so easy to let the fame go to your head and start thinking you’re the best thing since sliced bread. Then, if things take a turn for the worse, the fall from grace can be precipitous. 

It’s not all doom and gloom however, being in the public eye does have its perks. For one thing you get to lead a glamorous lifestyle; on the guestlist for every event, endorsed by all the biggest brands, it’s ironic that some of the richest people in the world hardly have to pay for anything. Designers and companies bend over backwards to get those publicity shots of you decked out in their latest products. But brands and products aren’t the only ones that can benefit by association with a megastar; some A-listers choose to use their platforms to raise awareness of various issues and campaigns, drawing their followers’ attention to the plights of various disenfranchised groups around the world.

So, have you still got your heart set on making a name for yourself in the world of show business? If so, be warned, you’ve got to learn to take the rough with the smooth. And should you happen to make it to the top, against all odds, enjoy your time in the sun, make the most of your 15 minutes of fame, because they might be over in the blink of an eye. 

Read the text again.

Answer the questions. 

• What drawbacks of fame does it mention?
• What effect can becoming famous have on your psyche/character?
• What are some of the perks of fame?
• What advice does the writer give to wannabe celebs?

Part 3 – Language Focus

Look at the underlined expressions. 

Discuss the meaning with your partner. 

Memory test:

The life of a celeb isn’t all a …… of roses, you know. It really is a double-…….. sword and it’s difficult to know if the pros ……… the cons. Being in the l……… 24/7 can’t be good for your mental health. Being …….. constant scrutiny, having every aspect of your life dissected by the t………, it’s enough to drive you r…….. the b…….. It’s no …….. so many child stars go off the …….. in such a spectacular fashion. They get their big …….. and r……. to fame at such a young age then burn ……. in a blaze of glory for all to see. Keeping your feet on the …….. is no m……. feat when you’re surrounded by so many h……..-on blowing s……… up your b……… It must be so easy to let the fame go to your ……. and start thinking you’re the best thing since s…….. b…….. Then, if things take a ……. for the worse, the fall from ……… can be p……….. 

It’s not all d…… and g……. however, being in the …….. eye does have its perks. For one thing you get to ……. a glamorous lifestyle; …… the guestlist for every event, endorsed by all the biggest brands, it’s ironic that some of the richest people in the world hardly have to pay for anything. Designers and companies bend over b……… to get those publicity shots of you d……. out in their latest products. But brands and products aren’t the only ones that can benefit by association with a m……..; some A-l……… choose to use their p…….. to …….. awareness of various issues and campaigns, ……… their followers’ attention to the p…….. of various dis………….. groups around the world.

So, have you still got your …….. set on making a ……. for yourself in the world of ……..business? If so, be w…….., you’ve got to learn to take the r…….. with the s………. And should you happen to make it to the ……, against all o……., enjoy your time in the sun, make the most of your ……. minutes of fame, because they might be over in the …….. of an eye. 

Key Word Transformations

• My agent showed me some of the articles that had appeared in the papers.

My agent…………………………………………. some of the articles that had appeared in the papers.

• It’s hard for newly famous celebrities to continue to act in a sensible and practical way.

Newly famous celebrities struggle ……………………………………………………………..

• The life of a famous dancer isn’t always good.

The life of a famous dancer………………………………………………………………….

• He moved to New York to become famous in the art world.

He moved to New York with the intention ………………………………………………… the art world.

• She wants to be an actress more than anything else in the world.

She …………………………………………………………………………… an actress.

• He aims to make more people aware of the difficulties the indigenous population are facing.

His objective is ………………………………………………………….. of the indigenous population.

Part 4 – Discussion

• Would you like to be famous?
• How well do you think you would cope with being famous?
• Do you think that the pros of fame outweigh the cons?
• Overall, do you think celebrities have a positive or a negative impact on society?
• Why do you think so many celebrities tend to suffer from addiction problems or poor mental health?
• If you had to choose images of celebrities to illustrate the pros and cons of fame, whose image would you choose and why?
• How do you think fame and show business have changed in your lifetime? How do you think it will change in the future?

Debate topic: Celebrities have a positive effect on society

My agent DREW MY ATTENTION // TO some of the articles that had appeared in the papers.

Newly famous celebrities struggle TO KEEP THEIR FEET // ON THE GROUND.

The life of a famous dancer ISN’T ALL A BED // OF ROSES.

He moved to New York with the intention OF MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF IN the art world.

She HAS (GOT) HER HEART SET // ON BECOMING an actress.

His objective is TO RAISE AWARENESS // OF THE PLIGHT of the indigenous population.

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Author: Tim Warre

Barcelona based English Teacher, blogger and sometime actor and director. View All Posts

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Manhattan | 360 Riverside Drive, No. 7C

Upper West Side Co-op

A one-bedroom, one-bath, roughly 800-square-foot apartment with an entry foyer, a renovated eat-in kitchen, a living room, a large bedroom with two closets, a windowed marble bathroom, and window-unit air-conditioning, on the seventh floor of a 13-story prewar building with a virtual intercom, a live-in super, bike storage, shared laundry and basement storage lockers. Scott Harris and Jonathan Goldstein, Brown Harris Stevens, 646-302-5710; bhsusa.com

Maintenance: $1,612 a month

A partial renovation in 2018 retained original details including crown molding and chevron bedroom floors. The monthly maintenance fee includes cable TV.

Counter space is limited in the kitchen. The building lacks amenities like a gym and shared outdoor space.

Manhattan | 334 West 17th Street, No. PH4/5W

Chelsea Penthouse

$1.999 million.

A two-bedroom, two-bath, roughly 1,000-square-foot duplex with an updated windowed kitchen, a dining area, a bedroom or sitting room, French doors and a half bath on the lower level; a living room, a bedroom and a full bath on the upper level; plus built-ins, a wine fridge, ample storage, mini-split heating and air-conditioning, a washer/dryer and a 500-square-foot roof deck, on the top floors of a 19th-century five-story walk-up with a super, bike storage and basement storage rooms. Kirk Eckenrode and Trevor Connolly, 570-419-6295, Elegran | Forbes Global Properties; elegran.com

Maintenance: $2,510 a month

The apartment has pretty original wood floors, shutters and moldings, as well as views of the Empire State Building. A basement storage room and bike rack can transfer with the sale for a $100 monthly fee.

A king-size bed would be tight in the upstairs bedroom. There’s no elevator.

• Benjamin Qiu

Bronx | 3044 Third Avenue, No. 4F

South Bronx Condo

A two-bedroom, one-bath, 939-square-foot apartment with an open floor plan, granite countertops, through-the-wall air-conditioning and a deeded basement storage area, on the fourth floor of a nine-story doorman building from 2010 with a doorman, a live-in super, shared laundry, a shared garden and a community room. Tano Holmes and Victor Banks, 857-253-1101, Century 21; century21.com

Common charges: $524 a month Taxes: $145 a year in abated taxes

The tax abatement runs through November 2033.

The kitchen could use an update. The deeded storage space can only be accessed with a key from the super.

Given the fast pace of the current market, some properties may no longer be available at the time of publication.

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