Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo flaunting their relationship while sliding down a ship’s slide seems to be the latest distraction tactic deployed by celebrity culture. If you think for a second that outlets like TMZ or People Magazine are showcasing their sweet moments purely for your entertainment, think again. Corporate media knows that sensationalizing romance distracts the public from far more pressing issues—like our economy and mounting global tensions.

While Levine and Prinsloo are busy packing on the PDA, you can bet networks like CNN and MSNBC are more than willing to milk this ‘fluffy’ love story. Meanwhile, they’ve completely sidelined critical discussions on policy, leaving audiences in a state of perpetual comfort with mindless celebrity gossip. This is a classic case of bread and circuses, folks. The more we’re dazzled by lavish lifestyles, the less we focus on what truly matters.

Why aren’t we asking why celebrity relationships like this get so much airtime? Perhaps it’s easier for the establishment to keep us entertained with tales of glitz and glamour rather than with the tough questions we should be asking about our government’s impact on daily life. Levine and Prinsloo skipping down a slide is cute, but it’s also a perfect example of media smoke and mirrors. Wake up and smell the coffee—there are real issues right outside these Hollywood gates that deserve our focus, not just the whims of the rich and famous.