(Trenyce Tong | Daily Trojan)
Last July, news broke that TikTok star Addison Rae’s father, Monty Lopez, allegedly forced a woman almost half his age to cheat with him. Just last month, the same social media platform was taken by storm when model Sumner Stroh uploaded a series of videos in which Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine was exposed for cheating on his wife by kissing other women texted social media. And now, just in the past week, social media platforms were set on fire again when Ned Fulmer, a member of the four-piece comedy group The Try Guys, was exposed for cheating on his longtime wife with his associate producer.
Is there a recognizable trend formation? The New York Times reports that “infidelity appears to be on the rise, particularly among older men and young couples.” Although a significant number of the major celebrity cheating scandals have been attributed to men cheating on their wives, the same article adds that the likelihood of women cheating has also increased proportionately. A Pennslyvania State University survey of people ages 24 to 32 found that a quarter of couples and “young men and women living together reported that either they or their partners, or both, had sex with someone else while they were still in their Flow were relationship.”
Now that we’ve established that there is indeed a rising trend in infidelity, we can now explore how it’s affecting celebrities, and more importantly, their fans.
There has been a strong condemnation of the hook-up culture and how it has tainted expectations of healthy romantic relationships, especially for younger generations. When there are prominent figures like Fulmer and Levine who are publicly proud of their loving marriage and family, it gives belief to the possibility and hope of a happy and secure love life. However, when the outspoken nature of that love turns out to be based on untruths, that faith and hope are dissipated.
There is a lack of healthy, loyal couples for young people to look up to. Jay-Z cheated on Beyoncé. The Kardashians have been embroiled in infidelity allegations for years. And just last year, it was revealed that popular comedian John Mulaney allegedly cheated on his ex-wife and joined Kevin Hart in a niche circle of unfaithful comics. Adultery has found a comfortable place among the stars of Hollywood.
Given the societal influence of media and reality, it can be difficult for young adults and adolescents to tell the difference between the signs of a toxic relationship and realistic expectations of a healthy relationship. And unfortunately there is no easy solution to this. Media coverage will not spend time on couples who are successful because there is no news there.
Instead of focusing on the media and what is reported in the news, it is important to instead focus on individualism and interpersonal relationships, which are usually ignored. Talking about boundaries and expectations is paramount, and building communication skills in a trusting environment is the highlight. It’s more important to have conversations in and out of romantic relationships and also to improve as an individual to prepare for a commitment.
It’s scary to be alone in a world full of distrust. Most of us want someone special to be there for us no matter what. But take a good look at yourself in the mirror before you search – if you’re not ready to be single, you won’t be ready to be taken.
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