A parasocial relationship is a one-sided emotional connection with a celebrity, influencer, fictional character, or media personality. The connection can feel personal even though it isn’t mutual.
Think about a celebrity you’ve followed for years. Selfishly, I’m going to use Brad Pitt as an example. I don’t know him, but after watching his movies for years (many on repeat) and seeing countless interviews and headlines about his life, he certainly doesn’t feel like a stranger.
And I’m definitely not the only person who’s experienced that sense of familiarity. Parasocial relationships can provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection. But they can also become unhealthy when the attachment starts affecting someone’s real-life relationships or understanding of personal boundaries.
Let’s look at the signs of a parasocial relationship, why these connections form, and where things can start to go too far.
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?
Researchers Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl introduced the idea of parasocial interaction in 1956. They used the term to describe the feeling of a face-to-face relationship that audiences could form with media personalities, even though the connection wasn’t mutual.
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.
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?
Being a fan doesn’t automatically mean you’ve formed a parasocial relationship. The connection usually involves a stronger sense of familiarity or emotional investment.
None of these signs automatically makes the relationship unhealthy. But there’s reason for concern if the attachment causes significant distress, replaces real-life relationships, or creates a sense of entitlement to someone’s time and attention.
Yes, parasocial relationships can be healthy. A favorite artist, athlete, or fictional character may offer inspiration and comfort. These connections can also help people feel understood or introduce them to communities built around shared interests.
People of any age can form parasocial relationships. They may feel especially comforting during lonely or difficult periods, when familiar voices and faces can provide a sense of connection. The healthiest versions add something positive to a person’s life without replacing mutual relationships.
A parasocial relationship can become unhealthy when the connection starts interfering with everyday life. Someone may neglect real relationships, spend more money than they can afford, or feel deeply hurt by a public figure’s choices. Problems can also develop when admiration turns into an expectation of personal attention or access.
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 messaging 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.
In extreme cases, blurred boundaries can lead to harassment or stalking. Twitch streamer Kaitlyn Siragusa, better known as Amouranth, has spoken publicly about a stalker who traveled across the world and appeared near her home. Cases like this are rare, but they show how dangerous a one-sided attachment can become when someone begins treating imagined closeness like a real relationship.
The positives and negatives of parasocial relationships are a fascinating area of study for sociologists. Healthy or not, they offer insight into how media shapes our perceptions of the world around us and how 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 The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program. You’ll learn 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 UT Permian Basin.
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
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