Beware Of Excess Obsession On Idol Can Disrupt Life Balance

The photo archive - A number of K-Pop Blackpink fans packed the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium area before the concert in Jakarta, Saturday (11/3/2023). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - In Indonesia, idolizing public figures such as celebrities, athletes, or influencers has become part of popular culture. A sense of admiration for certain figures often encourages fans to follow all their activities, from watching every content to being present at various events.

However, when admiration turns into excessive emotional attachment or even obsession, it can disrupt a person's balance of life. It is important for fans to realize the boundaries between appreciation and unhealthy engagement.

Psychologist Totaling Indira Andani, M.Psi., who graduated from the University of Indonesia, reminded that an obsession with idols can cause behavior that has a negative impact on everyday life. "In psychology, when admiration has turned into an obsession, behavior patterns that interfere with life balance or social relations can arise," he said in an interview in Jakarta, last Thursday.

He explained that one indicator of the disturbance is when a person starts sacrificing personal responsibility in order to participate in idol activities excessively. For example, ignoring work, school, or social relationships only to focus on idol activities.

"In fact, negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, or disappointment can arise just because idols do not respond to fans' expectations such as not greeting or not replying to messages," explainedtipus, who is now practicing at Vajra Gandaria Jakarta.

According to him, a happy expression when meeting idols is very natural. In social psychology, there is a term social relationship, namely the one-way relationship between fans and public figures that feels emotional, even though they are not reciprocal. This relationship can make fans feel very close, even though idols don't necessarily know them personally.

Therefore, it is important to maintain awareness that public figures are also ordinary people who have the right to private space and comfort. Expressing admiration wisely is a form of respect for them.

This advice suggests that in every interaction, fans prioritize empathy and ethics. Greeting politely, smiling warmly, or expressing praise verbally is enough to show appreciation without having to violate personal boundaries.

If you want to take a photo or ask for a signature, you should ask for permission first. If you refuse, understand that maybe the idol is not in a possible condition, it could be because they are tired or there are special rules that they must comply with," he concluded.