There is evidence to suggest that celebrities can have a negative impact on society. For example, a study by the University of California, Berkeley found that exposure to celebrity gossip was associated with increased materialism and decreased empathy. Another study by the University of Texas at Austin found that people who were exposed to celebrity gossip were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving.
However, there is also evidence to suggest that celebrities can have a positive impact on society. For example, a study by the University of Southern California found that exposure to positive celebrity role models was associated with increased self-esteem and prosocial behavior. Another study by the University of Pennsylvania found that celebrities can raise awareness for important social issues and inspire people to take action.
Ultimately, whether celebrities are setting a bad example is a matter of opinion. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument. It is important to remember that celebrities are individuals and their actions should not be generalized to all celebrities.