With all the forums for celebrity news and information, this question is more relevant than ever before, but sadly, it doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer.

Research suggests that we live in a media- and entertainment-saturated society. Our culture is preoccupied with celebrities, and sometimes that focus becomes unhealthy and diminishes public attention and admiration for real heroes and role models. However, celebrity worship seems to follow three levels of intensity.

The first level is actually associated with some benefits. This level is called the “Entertainment-Social Phase” because partaking in moderate levels of celebrity news and culture can actually serve as a fun, harmless release or psychological escape, much like watching a movie, reading a book, or going shopping. Also, people tend to bond socially in this phase by talking about celebrity news “around the water cooler.” In this sense, some interest in celebrity news fosters discussion on current events and gives people a natural outlet for discourse. Plus, celebrities can bring positive attention to things like social causes and charities, which also has psychological and societal benefits.

All that said, research also suggests that celebrity worship can be a slippery slope. Certain social circumstances and personality traits that cause or exaggerate disruptions to a person’s identity (e.g., job relocation, changes in religious orientation, significant relationship problems, or body image issues) can propel a person to more dysfunctional levels of celebrity interest. The next higher level of celebrity worship involves feeling a special connection to a star whereby identities blur and obsessive thoughts take over. The highest level is where fans start acting on their belief that they have a special connection or relationship with a celebrity. These more extreme levels are associated with psychological dysfunction, so these people should follow less celebrity news, not more.

It all comes down to motivation and moderation. Fans should ask themselves why they are spending so much time focused on an imaginary relationship and the fantasy of celebrity culture instead of paying attention to family and friends who can offer something real and meaningful. Celebrity news in moderation can be fun, as long as it’s kept in perspective. For some people, that’s easier said than done.

James Houran is a psychologist and partner with HVS Executive Search.