The Richard Dyer 'Star Theory' proposes that celebrities, or 'stars', are constructed and promoted by media institutions for commercial gain. Stars are given crafted personalities that target audiences can identify with, allowing fans to feel connected to them and drive profits from media consumption. Stars serve as models of idealized characteristics for their audiences and help spread popular ideologies, though they can also promote unhealthy influences. Their public images are carefully manicured constructions rather than reflections of their real selves.