We’re truly in a golden age of content. Kaitlyn Siragusa (better known as Amouranth) is a Twitch star, a top OnlyFans creator, and now, an AI companion bot. As reported by Dexerto, “AI Amouranth” satisfies fans’ needs and offers an experience that “blurs the lines between reality and virtual interaction, creating an indistinguishable connection with the esteemed celebrity.” 

Fans and followers clamor for unfettered access to their favorite celebrities, so why shouldn’t Amouranth and other public figures cash in on the attention?  

The problem comes from the unbalanced relationships that exist between celebrities and their fandom. Although shallow and usually harmless, these relationships are built on emotional connections and can therefore lead to pain and suffering.  

Let’s dive into the positives and negatives of parasocial relationships and how they help define our relationship with the world around us.  

What Is a Parasocial Relationship?  

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided connection formed with a celebrity, such as an actor, athlete, influencer, musician, politician, or even fictional character. Can you blame a kid for daydreaming about fighting crime alongside the Caped Crusader or Man of Steel?  

Sociologist Donald Horton and his psychiatrist co-author Richard Wohl coined the term in the 1950s to describe how listeners were drawn into an illusion of intimacy by radio personas. At the time, broadcasters were trying a “fireside” technique. If they could make listeners feel like they were at home chatting with an old friend by the fire, they could captivate their audience. It worked. 

But it’s not enough to be a fan. Someone in a parasocial relationship is emotionally invested in the life of a celebrity, feeling sad when a beloved actor is snubbed at an award show, proud when a favorite athlete makes a game-winning goal, or attacked when an admired politician is accused of misconduct. There’s a sense of intimacy and familiarity that goes beyond casual interest.  

Am I in a Parasocial Relationship?  

When you think about your favorite celebrity, do you have the same level of admiration for them that you normally reserve for friends? Do you read articles about them, watch interviews featuring them, and follow them on social media?  

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: Have you ever had imaginary (but comforting) conversations with them that play in your head like a scene from a movie? That’s a parasocial relationship. Don’t worry, though. Parasocial relationships are common and (mostly) harmless, so long as someone doesn’t start believing their own fantasy.  

The Positives of Parasocial Relationships 

Heroes, imaginary or otherwise, are a source of inspiration and motivation. For example, celebrities offer a way for teens to connect with someone without the risk of rejection while they learn to make and maintain connections with their peers. Think about it: How many members of Gen Z look up to Taylor Swift? And rightly so. “Tay Tay” turns every breakup into a chart-topping album.   

Young adults, however, don’t have a monopoly on parasocial relationships. Adults often fall victim as well, especially in a society grappling with “an epidemic of loneliness.” COVID-19 hit hard, and social distancing—although necessary for physical health—took a toll on everyone’s mental health, cutting us off from friends, family, and loved ones. Parasocial relationships offer a simple way for people to feel connected though they may be far apart.  

The Negatives of Parasocial Relationships 

As you can imagine, a one-sided connection characterized by deep emotional attachment has the potential for harm. Parasocial relationships can be healthy (or at least, not unhealthy), but problems arise when fans develop romantic feelings and expect them to be reciprocated in real life.  

Complicating matters is the fact that celebrities thrive on engaging with fans and often offer (carefully curated) glimpses into their personal lives on social media to build those connections. Lucky fans may actually receive a response after DMing their favorite influencer. “Celebrity engagement with social media may allow people to believe that their feelings are reciprocated, or that celebrities are aware of them in a way that traditional media did not,” said psychology lecturer Joanne Ingram.  

Amouranth, whom you’ll remember is promoting an AI version of herself, is no stranger to harassment stemming from parasocial relationships. One of her stalkers sold all of his earthly possessions and flew halfway around the world to find her, only to be detained by police after showing up at her door. “I don’t know what else to do at this point, besides build a moat with crocodiles,” said Amouranth. Stalkers, although rare, exemplify what can go wrong when parasocial relationships are valued over real ones.  

Develop a Healthy Obsession With Sociology  

The positives and negatives of parasocial relationships are a fascinating area of study for sociologists. Whether healthy or not, they offer insight into how media shapes our perceptions of the world around us and connections can form without people ever meeting. As our society becomes increasingly connected through technology and social media, parasocial relationships will likely continue to play an important role in our lives. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the social processes that shape society, check out our online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program. Specifically, you’ll learn throughout this undergraduate program how social structures impact the way marginalized groups are treated by society. By the time you graduate, you’ll have gained a prestigious credential, an expanded skill set, and a new perspective on the influences behind how people relate to and interact with one another.  

Check out our program page to learn more about earning your BA in sociology online at The University of Texas Permian Basin. If you’re ready to get started, apply now.   

Sources: 
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/parasocial-relationship
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a40560383/parasocial-relationships/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/technology/twitch-stalking.html