Why give celebrities so much attention?

OKAY, this question has been begging to be answered for a very long time. Why do we ordinary people pay so much attention to celebrities? Who do we even treat them like they are demi-gods or something close to that status?
Surely, our own lives cannot be so mundane and boring that we need to know which actress has been putting on weight so that we have something to gossip about.
It seems as if a lot of us are unable to draw a line between reality and make-believe. It is enough that we pay to be entertained. Actors and actresses are handsomely paid for acting their parts in a storyline so that about two hours of our daily lives are given up for fantasy and escapism.
Sometimes I wonder if all that hype and media attention on the celebrities, not necessarily from the acting industry, reveal something about our own inadequate sociological and anthropological behaviour.
From the perspective of social sciences, I reckon it says that as human beings we are always envious of others who are the centre of attention. We too crave for that kind of reputation or status. Thus, we sort of worship others who are constantly in the limelight because secretly we want to be like them.
From hindsight, we should actually spend more time in fulfilling our own life ambitions. If some of us give as much attention as we are giving to the celebrities, we too will be able to achieve some enviable goals.
When celebrities are at their zenith, the media go into some kind of a feeding frenzy. We buy magazines, newspapers and see the TV to catch up on the latest developments in other people's lives. For example, the triangle love affair between Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston.
Does it make our lives any better if these three people change their eating habits or move out of Hollywood? Frankly, no but that does not stop us from wanting to know more.
Humans are such busybodies. We are always minding other people's business. On one hand, it is good to learn more about your neighbours and perhaps a little beyond that. But it is generally unhealthy to be obsessed by people who have totally no connection with us and will in no way be of any benefit to us or our lives, no matter how much we "worship" them.
However, certain industries like companies dealing with public relations, entertainment and advertising are familiar with the weaknesses of society as a whole. They make it seem as if it is worth our while to adore these idols to the point we have to collect their autographs, pictures, T-shirts with their faces on them, and other items that are closely associated with the famous people.
The bottom line is we are actually spending money for the upkeep of these people and the businesses that are linked to them.
If you sit down to analyse all these factors, you will come to the realisation that there is no greater fool than the one staring back at you in the mirror. Wouldn't it be better and more wonderful if we spend our hard-earned money on those people who get the most enjoyment out of our generosity.
Ever heard of the saying: Charity begins at home. Yes, those so-called people whom you sometimes acknowledge as relatives or brothers, sisters and parents. If only, we occasionally give others the benefit of our time and money. How much hope and joy would that generate.
Thus, it is not always wise to ogle at the celebrity who happens to breeze into town. I know it is sometimes difficult not to stare when everyone else is doing it. Look if you must but there's really no need to devote too much time and attention on someone who neither knows you are alive or cares.