Nowadays, young people admire sports and media stars. Some people think they do not set good examples. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
While celebrities occasionally exhibit inappropriate behaviour, I believe this trend is largely positive as most sports and media stars can inspire young people to pursue dreams, build positive qualities and engage in charitable causes.
Many sports stars set shining examples of resilience and diligence. For instance, Lionel Messi, who was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child, overcame financial and physical obstacles to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. His story tells young people that consistent effort and persistence can help them overcome adversities, rather than giving up when facing setbacks. Such idols can motivate adolescents to develop a strong work ethic and a brave attitude towards difficulties in study and daily life.
Besides, many media stars use their influence to promote public welfare. For example, Chinese actress Zhou Xun has long been dedicated to environmental protection campaigns, encouraging young fans to cut plastic use and support low-carbon lifestyles. These public figures can raise teenagers' awareness of social responsibilities and guide them to contribute to society, rather than only pursuing personal pleasure.
Admittedly, a small number of celebrities are involved in scandals like tax evasion or drug abuse, which may mislead immature fans. However, these negative cases are usually widely criticised by the public, and can actually teach young people to distinguish right from wrong instead of blindly imitating others.
In conclusion, admiring sports and media stars is a positive development for most young people, as long as they are guided to view idols rationally and learn from their merits rather than copying every aspect of their life.