Our Observation

Tens of thousands of Justin Bieber fans were in hysterics this week after the young pop star announced on Twitter that he was planning to cut his hair. Thousands of his Twitter followers “unfollowed” him when he actually went through with chopping off his trademark mop.

This is a perfect example of how this nation has become consumed with entertainment news. One of the headlines published after Bieber went to the barber read: “Justin Bieber’s hair cut down: A teen nation mourns”.

This obsession with celebrity, which is so characteristic of Americans, can be viewed as an unhealthy and a wasteful way to spend valuable time. But, in moderation, it could also be considered a justified break from the bad news regularly spewing from our headlines, newscasts and radio speakers during a down economy.

Yes, it’s important to know what’s happening in the world. Yes, time should be spent focusing on friends, family and community — things that gossip magazines and reality TV shows distract us from. But don’t we deserve a break? Besides those who actually did care about the teen’s do, didn’t it provide some comic relief to so many others?

An article in Psychology Today cited several ways to overcome depression brought on by the recession. They included spending money on experiences rather than material items, pursuing a life goal, living in the moment instead of constantly fretting the past or future, practicing gratitude for what we do have and engaging in acts of kindness. These are great ways to boost mood and overall happiness, but splurging in a little guilty pleasure every now and then is another way to feel good.

Of course, many people today are not taking in their reality TV and celebrity gossip in moderation. In fact, as we can see by reactions to The Bieb’s personal decision this week, some people have become literally obsessed. Instead of using celebrity gossip as a healthy indulgence, some are using it to distract themselves from their lives.

Sometimes, burying ourselves in these distractions can actually cause more stress because it leaves a bunch of unchecked items on our to-do lists. How can we find and create meaning in our lives if reality TV and gossip magazines are dominating it?

MSNBC published 10 tips to stay positive in a down economy, which can be difficult when factoring in job and home loss, a fuller plate at work and a shrinking entertainment budget. These tips include ways to stay optimistic and unwind on the cheap. For the full list, visit http://tinyurl.com/10waystostayhappy.

Every now and then, it’s important to take a step back, evaluate your life and make sure that Justin Bieber’s haircut was not the most important thing that happened in your life that day.