The drive to become famous is becoming a high value for many people in our culture. That's the conclusion of two social observers. In a recent (2014) speech, New York Times columnist David Brooks says, "Fame used to be a low value. Now fame is the second-most desired thing in young people. They did a study [and asked], "Would you rather be president of Harvard or Justin Bieber's personal assistant, [or another] celebrity's personal assistant?' And of course by three to one people would rather be [a celebrity's] personal assistant."

Brian Robbins, whose company creates YouTube channels for teens and tweens, told The New Yorker, "When you speak to kids, the number one thing they want is to be famous. They don't even know what for."