Canadian singer Justin Bieber performs on a German reality TV show in Cologne on June 7, 2012.WOLFGANG RATTAY/Reuters
Got a case of Bieber fever? The only effective treatment may be a strong dose of the "Lindsay Lohan effect," The Canadian Press reports.
A new study shows Bieber fever – the mass fan hysteria afflicting young followers of Canadian pop star Justin Bieber – is more infectious than measles, according to the news service. Using actual mathematical models to track the crooner's explosion in popularity, the study's authors from the University of Ottawa found that Biebermani a behaves like a real disease, one that is capable of turning into an "apocalyptic infection."
Preteens everywhere are at risk of being infected and reinfected by Bieber fever, which the study's authors cheekily note is associated with symptoms of uncontrolled screaming and poor life decisions, such as mimicking the star's famous haircut.
"Through constant exposure, Bieber fever has incubated and spread. Millions are already infected, with more at risk every day," said the authors, student Valerie Tweedle and professor Robert J. Smith? (the question mark is part of his name; he legally changed his name to include it).
Only negative publicity, such as the tabloid scrutiny experienced by actress Lindsay Lohan, may stamp out the infection, reports The Canadian Press. Too much exposure to Bieber may also weaken his popularity – you can essentially suffer a Bieber overdose. But so long as he paces his publicity, releasing a CD every now and then or changing his hair after brief breaks from the limelight, Bieber fever may be here to stay.
The good news is that Bieber fans don't suffer from the infection. In fact, some may argue his sugary tunes can have a positive influence.
Has Bieber fever hit your family?
Wency Leung