“People form attachments, also known as parasocial relationships, with celebrities and feel a connection with them,” said Lookadoo, lead author of the study. The exploratory, qualitative study builds on research about how influencers communicate health messages and use health disclosures to inform, inspire and motivate action. Celebs and Health MessagingWith so much information and misinformation surrounding COVID-19, celebrities can be helpful — or harmful — in getting messages out to followers. Social cognitive theory focuses on how people learn information from others and how this information can affect people’s beliefs and behaviors. “But even if we tell the public not to listen to celebrities, I don’t think that will stop their influence,” she said.