They’re only celebrities if you celebrate them, so just don’t

There is a wonderful sense of freedom when you stop caring about celebrities. I’ve done it, and you should too.

In my case, it was helped by a major life change. I moved to a different country and, in the months it took to re-establish a “normal” life with a home, routines and, crucially, a television, I went cold turkey on my addiction to celebrity culture.

I sloughed off the mass market like a scaly, discoloured skin and I don’t regret it one bit.

I’ve been thinking about that lately, after I saw a headline referring to Coleen Nolan and Roxanne Pallett each having a difficult week. I’m not pretending I’ve never heard of these celebrities; I have a basic knowledge of them thanks to skimming news sites as part of my professional life.

But I reject the need, implied by mainstream media, that we should be invested in famous people’s lives. They are indeed people, with opinions, emotions and needs, but, if someone isn’t involved in something I value, I can ignore their dramas. The influence of a celebrity only exists if you accept it does.

I don’t watch broadcast TV. I don’t read tabloid newspapers, magazines or gossip sites. I’m selective on social media. If a friend starts to chat about someone who’s famous for being famous, I politely change the subject.

I’m not a snob, though. I can enjoy trash and I accept everyone has different tastes. I am, for example, in love with the Baby Shark song.

But I question what is presented to me and can make my own decision on its value. We don’t need to pay attention to “content” just because it was “curated” for us by media executives, so-called influencers or – yes – newspaper editors.

I kill conversations with blank looks about whichever glamorous grotesques are arguing, dancing or baking, and, honestly, I try not to judge.

But I can – I must – curate my own experiences, control my time, and preserve my peace of mind.

After all, they’re only celebrities if we celebrate them. Let’s not.