I hate Twitter. I hate the entire concept of it. It’s a constant update of what anyone anywhere is doing or thinking at any particular moment. The worst part of it all is the most followed people on Twitter aren’t people of any substance. Scanning the 30 most followed screen names on Twitter, only two are news sources and President Obama ranks in at number four. The most followed person on Twitter? Lady Gaga.

These posts consist of pre-show inspirational quotes, post-show comments, movie shoot updates or the ramblings of Kanye West. The fascination with the site has turned users into news stories. In September Kelly Carter, a columnist for MTV, wrote an online article about John Mayer and how he decided to delete his Twitter account and move onto blogging website Tumblr.

John Mayer deleting a Twitter account with 3.7 million followers became a news piece? And for what? He is a famous musician. He had a lot of followers. He deleted his account, leaving behind such gems as “I love how some dudes hate me for dating their fantasy girl, as if they were going to if I hadn’t,” “this heart didn’t come with instructions,” and “you really get to know your pants when you travel.”

We live in an age where we are obsessed with the idea of celebrity. The American Dream no longer is a rags-to-riches underdog story. Now, it’s about having your face discovered, having your song heard on Youtube, your jokes read online. With one lucky break, anyone can reach their Hollywood fairy tale. When did celebrity become the new obsession? People can memorize lyrics and movie quotes without question. But how much does anyone know what’s going on around the world? I can honestly say I’m guilty of it. I’ve ignored policies and repeals with only a general understanding of what’s going on. The extent of my involvement is voting in 2008. But I’m taking the first step to educating myself, better late than never.

Regardless, the idea of worshiping celebrities will take time to overcome. People open their own Twitter accounts and use this as a way to connect with their favorite celebrities. Perhaps by sharing one social medium with Justin Bieber, one can feel closer to Justin Bieber. People become invested in the careers of their favorite artists — so much so that their successes become a fan’s success. You contributed to their record sales, concert sales and box office. You could ask why these people obsessed with today’s stars choose not to read stories of substance and instead choose to read Hollywood’s latest update.

The truth is the world is scary. Constantly reading about war in the Middle East or Americans right to privacy being legally invaded is scary. It’s safer to cloud your mind with information that is irrelevant than any matter of importance. But know the limits. Know there is so much information out there that needs to be read and understood.