Many youngsters blindly admire pop stars, especially Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese ones.
Even if they are facing exams or overloaded with homework, if they hear one of their idols is having a show in Hong Kong, they make banners and go to the airport to welcome them. Some teens skip classes to wait for their idols overnight. This affects their studies and also makes parents worry about their children's safety.
Some youngsters economise on their lunches to save money to buy tickets and CDs. They stay up late to watch their idols' films and read their blogs. It affects their health.
In addition, youngsters tend to imitate pop stars. But not all pop stars are good role models. Some, for example, smoke and take drugs.
I am not saying having an idol is a bad thing. It can be a good thing, as long as you do not blindly worship them. If you want to be a talented musician like Jay Chou, you might be inspired to work hard. I hope teenagers can learn from the best their idols have to offer while not neglecting their studies.
Fion Lui, Leung Shek Chee College