"The word has taken on even greater meaning in the age of social media, where we have unparalleled access to the lives of influencers, online personalities, and celebrities via phones. Take Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement. The news triggered mass hysteria online, with many displaying genuine raw emotion for a couple they've never even met. Or British singer Lily Allen, whose latest album West End Girl details a breakup and sparked a "parasocial interest in her love life," according to the Cambridge Dictionary."
"It's not just celebrities. This year, the dictionary noted a surge in those looking up the word after the Youtube star IShowSpeed blocked an obsessive fan, identified as his "number 1 parasocial." A number of popular female streamers have spoken publicly about dealing with stalking, some resorting to hiring security while navigating online fame. Oftentimes these parasocial relationships are built unintentionally."
Parasocial describes one-sided emotional relationships formed by audiences toward celebrities, influencers, and online personalities. The term originated in 1956 to describe TV viewers' attachments to on-screen figures. Social media and smartphones have amplified these connections by providing constant access to personal lives of public figures. High-profile events, streaming culture, and viral incidents intensify public emotional investment, sometimes prompting mass hysteria or obsession. Studies show parasocial ties with YouTubers can more effectively meet emotional needs than some real-life relationships. The rise of AI conversational tools adds complexity as people increasingly confide in machines like friends or partners, raising risks of unhealthy attachment.
Read at Fast Company
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