The modern concept of celebrity can be traced back to the early 1900s with the first popularity of moving pictures. In the time leading up to the spread of television, clothing styles, cultural discourse and political ideas featured in films already influenced viewing audiences to varying degrees. For example, films like "Citizen Kane," starring Orson Welles, and "The Great Dictator," starring Charlie Chaplin, instigated critical discussion concerning popular leaders of the time. Chaplin and Welles were seen as political influences to the masses, and even communists or extremists. When television rose to popularity in the 1950s, it was a new medium to affect the popular conscious by itself, and a method to further interest in celebrities through talk shows and variety programs. Te rise in celebrity news sites, combined with the significant viewership of broadcast and cable television, continues to spur questions about behavioral affects on those who consume the media..
Theories suggest that the celebrities they idolize and television programming they consume influence individuals, especially children. For example, The Association for Psychological Science shows, in the article "The Influence of Media Violence on Youth," by Craig A. Anderson, et al., "...unequivocal evidence that media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior in both immediate and long-term contexts," and that, "...habitual childhood exposure to media violence increases the risk for extreme violence." Another social influence theory published by Vanderbilt University, "Celebrities in the Courtroom: Legal Responses, Psychological Theory and Empirical Research" by Jared Chamberlain, et al., suggests that celebrities influence jurors to administer preferential treatment when deciding punishment.
Many programs are developed to convey positive messages and influences to viewing audiences. For example, "The Cosby Show" influenced the break down of negative stereotypes associated with African-American families. The "Yale Law Journal" cites the "CSI effect," named for the popular criminal investigation show, as a real influence on deliberating juries in the United States. Celebrities also positively affect individuals with endorsements of anti-drug campaigns, world relief efforts and certain charities. The "Hope for Haiti" telethon, hosted by celebrity George Clooney, raised record donations for earthquake victims due to the possibility of speaking with actual celebrities.
Psychological studies exist that suggest violence in media affects young adults, often leading to aggressive behavior. The American Psychological Association suggests that children who can identify with a character will mimic the actions of that character as an adolescent and through adulthood. Celebrity behavior is also thought to influence family values and morality. For example, the 2009 Tiger Woods adultery scandal was heated debate fodder for pundits suggesting that such a highly regarded role model may affect the relationship values of the individuals who idolize him.
Never before has celebrity and television content been so accessible or influential; the affluence of both has changed the face of reporting. Celebrity interest assists celebrity news networks with acquiring content and material for reports. Reporter submitted print, photos and videos, often from staff that numbers in the hundreds, has reshaped the pace in which audiences consume celebrity media.