Are Celebrities a Good or Bad Influence?

The influence of celebrities on teens is great. Whether celebrities are good or bad role models, they influence teenagers’ values, attitudes, and behavior.

Exam in Mind level B1/B2

Have Practice in Writing a Semi-formal Letter

You have read an article in the newspaper in which the author expresses her fear about bad influence of celebrities on teenagers. Write a letter and

explain why you disagree with the author of the article
give an example of a person who is a good role model for you and explain why;
mention other people who are good role models for people your age.

Hi there! I’m Dima and here is my letter about a good influence of celebrities on teenagers.

Dear Ella Stone,

I am writing in response to your article about the influence of celebrities on teens, in which you stated that most of the stars are bad role models. I have to challenge the statement that all celebrities are a bad influence.

As a 16-year-old teenager, I have my idols, who have a positive impact on society and show a good example of behaviour. These people demonstrate good examples of hard work and passion in their respective fields. For example, Elon Musk, one of the wealthiest people in the world, owns several major companies such as SpaceX, Twitter, and Tesla. He is a dreamer who turns his dreams into reality. When he fails, he persists and tries again. He even borrowed money to fund the construction of new space shuttles after exhausting his own resources. It was only with his final attempt that he succeeded.

I would also like to mention our local celebrity Andriy Shevchenko, who may be a good role model for teens as well. He grew up in an ordinary family in Ukraine, and he worked tirelessly to become one of the best football players in the world. Additionally, he is a professional golfer, who has won numerous golf tournaments.

People like Elon Musk and Andriy Shevchenko, demonstrate that you must dream and do your best to achieve your goals. Dreams can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

In conclusion, I would like to say that there are many celebrities who can be good role models for teens. They can inspire and guide young people and help them succeed in future.

Yours sincerely,
Dmytro Kushnir

Elon Musk: a Good or Bad Role Model for Teenagers?

Elon Musk, the well-known entrepreneur and visionary behind companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, can certainly have several positive influences on teenagers.

Musk’s ambitious endeavors inspire teenagers to think big and pursue their innovative ideas. His success stories demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks, it is possible to make a significant impact on the world.

Through Tesla, Musk is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. This emphasis on sustainability can inspire teenagers to explore clean technologies and consider careers in green industries.

Musk’s ventures, particularly SpaceX, have interest in space exploration. This can encourage teenagers to pursue careers in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and related fields, fostering scientific curiosity and innovation.

With projects like Starlink, Musk aims to provide global broadband coverage. This can inspire teenagers to explore technology and communication fields and work towards bridging the digital divide, enabling greater access to education, information, and opportunities.

Musk encourages independent thinking. This mindset can empower teenagers to question existing norms, think critically, and develop their own ideas, fostering creativity and self-confidence.

Musk has advocated for the sharing of knowledge and ideas to accelerate progress. This can inspire teenagers to contribute to open-source communities, collaborate with others driving innovation and collective problem-solving.

It’s important to note that while Elon Musk’s influence can be positive, teenagers should also be encouraged to explore a diverse range of role models and ideas to develop a well-rounded perspective.

While Elon Musk’s contributions and influence are generally positive, there are some potential negative aspects to consider.

Musk’s remarkable achievements and ambitious goals may create unrealistic expectations among teenagers. Some may feel pressured to achieve similar levels of success or innovation without fully understanding the years of hard work, failures, and sacrifices that go into such accomplishments.

Musk is known for taking bold risks, which can inspire teenagers to take risks without fully evaluating the potential consequences. While risk-taking is an important part of entrepreneurship, it should be balanced with careful planning and consideration.

Musk’s intense work ethic and demanding schedules have been widely reported. This can reinforce a workaholic culture and burnout, potentially influencing teenagers to prioritize work at the expense of other aspects of their lives, such as personal relationships and well-being.

Musk’s influence and statements have been known to impact the stock market and cryptocurrency prices. Teenagers who invest in these markets may make impulsive decisions based on Musk’s tweets or public statements, potentially leading to financial losses.

Some critics argue that Musk’s involvement in multiple ventures simultaneously, such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, can lead to a lack of focus. This could indirectly discourage teenagers from developing expertise in a specific field or focusing their efforts on a single goal.

Musk has been known to make controversial or provocative statements on social media, which can contribute to polarization and online debates. Teenagers who look up to Musk may adopt similar communication styles or engage in arguments without fully understanding the potential consequences.

Musk’s persona and marketing strategies can contribute to the idolization of consumerism, particularly within the realm of luxury electric vehicles. Teenagers might be influenced to prioritize material possessions as a symbol of success rather than focusing on other meaningful aspects of life.

It is important for teenagers to critically evaluate the actions and statements of influential figures like Elon Musk, considering both the positive and negative aspects, while developing their own independent perspectives.