The Psychology of Obsession: Why Fans Fixate on Public Figures (and Their Teams)

The allure of fame has fascinated humanity for decades, but in recent years, our relationship with public figures has shifted dramatically. In the past, celebrities appeared on a red carpet, embarked on a press tour, and then disappeared from view. Their private lives remained mostly that—private. Today, however, the lines between public and personal life are increasingly blurred, largely due to social media.

Fans now feel they have unprecedented access to their favourite stars. They can comment on their posts, send direct messages, and, in some cases, even get a reply. Of course, for larger celebrities, this engagement is usually handled by someone on their team—a person checking off their daily tasks to ensure the star appears connected and accessible. Most fans won’t realise this, believing they’re interacting directly with the celebrity they idolise. This false sense of connection can lead to admiration, obsession, and, in extreme cases, dangerous behaviour.

Why do fans exist?

Fan culture is as old as celebrity itself. People idolise public figures because they represent something aspirational—whether that’s beauty, success, talent, or a lifestyle they dream of. For some, it goes deeper. Celebrities can become symbols of comfort, stability, or even identity. A musician’s song may have helped someone through a difficult time, or an actor’s role might have reflected a part of their life they hadn’t seen represented before.

At its core, however, the act of idolising another human being is an unusual behaviour. It’s one thing to admire someone who has achieved something truly groundbreaking—a scientific discovery, a world-changing invention, or a significant act of courage. But so much of celebrity culture revolves around individuals who are famous for their talent, appearance, or even their proximity to fame itself. That’s not to diminish their achievements, but rather to highlight how society tends to elevate people to near-mythical status for reasons that don’t always justify such intense admiration.

Why Do People want fans? Desire fame?

Fame is more accessible than ever in today’s world, and many people actively crave it. Whether it’s the allure of wealth, validation, or attention, the desire to be known is deeply ingrained in modern culture. Social media has made the pursuit of fame seem achievable for anyone, often equating visibility with success.

But the reality of fame is far from glamorous. Fame is isolating, exposing, and, for many, profoundly lonely. It invites constant scrutiny, criticism, and a loss of privacy that can be impossible to reclaim. Even worse, there’s no undo button—once you’re famous, you’re famous. You can’t decide to go back to anonymity when the attention becomes unbearable. And if a celebrity tries to return to “regular life,” they’re often labelled a loser, failure, or worse—when, in reality, they simply want their life back. It’s so brutal.

For some, fame is about validation. They believe that attention from strangers will fill a void or solve their insecurities. But fame often exacerbates those feelings, as the constant need to be “on” takes its toll. Craving attention, whether through social media likes or red-carpet appearances, rarely delivers the fulfilment people expect.

I’ve found it particularly alarming when parents push their children into fame before they’re old enough to decide for themselves. I’ve worked with young clients whose parents sought out the spotlight for them, hoping it would bring opportunities or financial security. What they often fail to consider is the immense pressure fame places on a child—not just to perform, but to handle the attention, criticism, and responsibility that come with it. Fame is a job, and it’s a heavy one to carry, especially for someone who hasn’t even had a chance to figure out who they are yet.

The psychological cost of being watched

One of the most exhausting parts of fame is the constant surveillance. Public figures are always “on,” whether they’re walking down the street or posting on Instagram. This hyper-vigilance can have severe psychological effects:

Hyper-Vigilance: Celebrities must constantly assess how their actions, words, and even their food choices might be interpreted or judged.

Loss of Spontaneity: Fame strips away the ability to make ordinary choices without fear of scrutiny.

I once walked with a public figure client in New York City during a scorching hot summer day. We were desperate for a drink of water and spotted a nearby Chick-fil-A. The client hesitated and eventually said, “Ehhhh, better not. If I get photographed, someone might say I’m homophobic or something. Not worth it for water.” That moment stuck with me. The weight of constant judgement is a burden most of us can’t imagine, and it affects even the smallest decisions.

The Social Media Effect: A Safety Risk If Done Poorly

Social media has revolutionised the way fans interact with public figures, but it has also created significant safety risks. If handled poorly, social media can expose public figures to everything from stalking to home invasions.

For the majority of my clients, I insist that updates—particularly those about their location—are shared weeks later. If they’re at a live event or function, that’s different, but if it’s a private holiday or family time, I encourage them to share only after they’ve returned.

Another area I focus on is discouraging clients from sharing too much about their homes. Even something as innocent as posting a photo from a favourite room can inadvertently reveal details about their home’s layout, décor, or security features. I also advise against posts that might disclose who works or lives in the home, such as nannies, PAs, or other staff. These details might seem harmless, but they can be exploited by those with ill intentions.

My Own Experience

Earlier this year, I experienced firsthand how obsessive behaviour can spiral out of control. A fan of a former client began targeting me after discovering my affiliation with them. Over time, their behaviour escalated into a relentless campaign of harassment, including hundreds of emails, fabricated evidence, and defamatory claims designed to destroy my reputation unless I met their demands.

What made it even more baffling was that the client in question would be one of the most innocent individuals I’ve ever worked with—and far from the “most famous,” whatever that means. This situation wasn’t about their global stature; it was purely about jealousy that I had any connection to them.

My name had simply been listed on their website as a contact, and that was enough to trigger over eight months of severe stress and anxiety about what might come next. The individual proactively tried to ruin my life, contacting anyone associated with me and spreading the most repulsive lies. Thankfully, the situation has slowed down now, but it’s not over—this person still lingers in the background. It’s something I have to think about often, a reminder of how far obsession can go.

The Fragile Line Between Love and Hate

Fandom can be both intensely loyal and shockingly unforgiving. In an instant, the same people who idolised a public figure can turn against them, demanding their cancellation over a misstep or even a misunderstood comment. This dramatic shift from adoration to animosity reveals just how precarious the pedestal of fame can be.

Psychologically, this behaviour stems from the illusion of connection fans feel with public figures. When someone they admire fails to meet their expectations—whether by expressing a differing opinion, endorsing an unexpected brand, or simply making a mistake—it’s perceived as a personal betrayal. The intensity of that perceived betrayal can lead to disproportionate outrage, often amplified by social media.

I had a client once who became the target of completely fake rumours that spread online after an edited screenshot made its way to TikTok. Naturally, people believed it without hesitation. While managing my client’s Instagram DMs, I came across a furious message from a fan that was longer than my university dissertation. The message was a passionate rant about how disappointed they were, how much they hated my client now, and how their “faith had been shattered.” They even attached a photo of a tattoo of my client’s portrait on their arm, a photo I know my client hated of herself.

A week later, this same fan sent another message with an update. The tattoo now had a giant, clumsy cross inked through it, alongside an equally dramatic declaration of betrayal. I’ll admit, I felt guilty knowing that the next day, we were releasing indisputable evidence proving my client’s innocence—but I also felt like an even bigger asshole for finding it funny. I often wonder what became of that tattoo. Did they try to salvage it? Cover it up? Or is it now a permanent reminder of how easily they believed a poorly edited screenshot shared on TikTok by a user called something like @CrispyFriesOnly?

This volatility highlights the almost artificial nature of modern fandom. The love is rarely unconditional, and the hate can feel almost ritualistic, as if public figures exist to be built up only to be torn down. It’s a strange, cyclical relationship that leaves public figures in an impossible position—trying to please everyone while knowing how quickly the tide can turn against them.

A Final Thought

The psychology of fandom is complex, but at its core, it’s about connection. Public figures hold a unique place in people’s lives—they inspire, entertain, and often provide a sense of belonging. But as social media continues to blur the lines between admiration and entitlement, it’s more important than ever to understand and address the risks involved.

Having worked in this space for years, I’ve seen both the beauty and the challenges of fan culture. Fame, for all its appeal, is not the solution many believe it to be. For those who find themselves in the spotlight, it’s a life of constant navigation—balancing public admiration with personal safety, and validation with vulnerability. And for those of us behind the scenes, the work is just as much about protection as it is about promotion.