Artists like Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears seem to be more famous for their antics than their art.

Lindsey's addiction, Paris' partying and Britney's various exploits, are always front page news.

So when Britney's little sister, Nickelodeon TV star Jamie Lynn Spears, announced her pregnancy last week, I wasn't particularly surprised.

If my older sister was a billionaire pop-starlet on the cover of every magazine, I'd certainly study her. It's “All About Eve”; but 50 years later, you need more than Bette Davis eyes to get noticed.

Society is more lax in its censorship than it was 50 years ago. A bikini turned heads in the 1950s. Today, celebrities like Britney Spears, are showing up online without any undergarments at all. As far as “marketable shock value,” that's pretty hard to top.

In the entertainment industry, challenging social taboos has become more important than being a master at any artistic craft; an unfortunate trend.

The overwhelming popularity of reality television has made the competition for 15 minutes of fame pitiful. It seems anyone can be famous, regardless of skill or talent.

Instead of upping the ante, celebrities seem to be stooping to the Jerry Springer level. Ironically, celebrities rarely suffer the penalties of the illegal debauchery that they promote.

In this case, I don't think it's fair to eliminate all accountability just because Jamie Lynn Spears hasn't reached the magical age of 18. With a fan base of primarily 10- to 13-year-old girls, her irresponsibility sets a poor example, especially considering that most adolescents can't afford the luxury of an around the clock au pair.

I'm not saying people should throw stones at her. Perhaps Jamie Lynne Spears is genuine in her shock and surprise.

Regardless, America will eventually get bored with this story and when the interest runs out, Jamie Lynn Spears is going to be a very young mother without a hit TV show on Nickelodeon.

Bottom line: Jamie Lynn Spears didn't create the issue of teen pregnancy, but being a high profile actress on a popular children's network, her celebrity promotes it.

Whether or not the pregnancy was planned, she didn't waste anytime giving interviews, an irresponsibility that she can and should control.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com