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Parasocial relationships, the one-sided bonds we form with celebrities and influencers, are common in today’s social media-driven world. While they can offer comfort and inspiration, it’s important to remember that these connections are based on curated content, not reality. Teens should enjoy these interactions but focus on building meaningful, real-life relationships that offer genuine support and connection.
In the digital age, access to media has become easier than ever. All it takes is a click of a mouse or a tap of a finger to unravel the intricacies of the online space and find the space where you feel you belong. With widespread accessibility, the world of celebrities, influencers, and bloggers has expanded from TV screens to our phones (Find A Psychologist). We follow their every move, like their posts, and sometimes even feel like we know them personally. But what exactly are these connections we form with people we’ve never met? They’re called parasocial relationships, and while they can be exciting, it’s important to understand their nature — especially for teens growing up in a social media-dominated world.
What Are Parasocial Relationships?
The terms parasocial interactions and parasocial relationships were coined by anthropologist Donald Horton and sociologist R. Richard Wohl in 1956, laying the foundation for the topic within the field of communication studies (Hartmann and Goldhoorn). A parasocial relationship is a one-sided connection where one person knows a lot about the other, but the other person remains unaware of their existence . In the context of celebrities, influencers, or bloggers, this happens when fans or followers develop deep emotional connections with someone they admire online or on TV. You might feel close to your favourite YouTuber, for example, because you watch their daily vlogs, know their pets’ names, or understand their quirks. Or you might listen to an artist’s music about their unique personal experience of a break up that you feel you relate to, making you think that you and the singer know each other as you have been through the same things. But the reality is, they don’t know anything about you.
This kind of relationship isn’t new — it’s been around since people started admiring movie stars or sports figures. What’s different now is the accessibility we have to influencers and the constant stream of content they provide. Social media gives the illusion that we are part of their personal lives because they post updates regularly, share their routines, and even respond to fans. It feels intimate, but it’s still one-sided.
The Impact on Teens
For teenagers, parasocial relationships can feel incredibly real. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and many teens look to public figures as role models or inspirations. Seeing influencers live their “best life” can spark admiration and even provide comfort, especially if the influencer seems relatable or shares similar interests.
But it’s important to remember that what’s presented online isn’t always reality. Influencers curate their content, meaning they show only a fraction of their real lives — often the most polished or exciting parts. It’s easy to forget that behind the perfect Instagram photo or the fun TikTok dance, there might be struggles or challenges they don’t share. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about what life should look like (Cleveland Clinics).
The Positive and Negative Sides
Not all parasocial relationships are bad. In fact, they can provide a sense of belonging and support. A fan might find comfort in knowing that their favourite YouTuber went through similar challenges, or they might learn useful tips and advice from influencers they follow. Or when a celebrity speaks out on mental health struggles or experiences of abuse, it makes their followers feel less alone and isolated. These relationships can foster creativity, motivation and a sense of belonging.
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However, there are potential downsides too (“The Positives and Negatives of Parasocial Relationships: When Fandom Goes Too Far | UT Permian Basin Online”). When someone becomes overly invested in a parasocial relationship, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. Teens may compare themselves to influencers who appear to have perfect lives, bodies, or relationships, leading to negative self-image or anxiety. Additionally, an unhealthy attachment to these relationships can prevent someone from forming real-world connections with friends or family.
Balancing Reality with Fantasy
It’s completely normal to admire celebrities or influencers and even feel like you know them. But it’s important to keep a healthy perspective. Remember that social media is often a highlight reel, not an accurate representation of someone’s entire life. It’s okay to be inspired by the people you follow but try not to compare your journey to theirs.
Moreover, focus on building real relationships in your life. Spend time with friends, family, and people who are present in your day-to-day world. Real-life connections provide the mutual support and understanding that parasocial relationships cannot.
In the end, it’s all about balance. Enjoy the content of your favourite bloggers and celebrities, but don’t forget that the best relationships are the ones that go both ways — where both people can share, listen, and grow together.
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References
Bruun, Hanne. “The Aesthetics of the Television Talk Show.” Nordicom Review, vol. 21, no. 2, 1 Nov. 2000, pp. 243–258, https://doi.org/10.1515/nor-2017-0383. Accessed 2 Nov. 2019.
Cleveland Clinic. “Friend or Faux: Are Parasocial Relationships Healthy?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 July 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/parasocial-relationships.
Find A Psychologist. “Parasocial Relationships: The Nature of Celebrity Fascinations | Find a Psychologist.” Findapsychologist.org, 2015, www.findapsychologist.org/parasocial-relationships-the-nature-of-celebrity-fascinations/.
Hartmann, Tilo, and Charlotte Goldhoorn. “Horton and Wohl Revisited: Exploring Viewers’ Experience of Parasocial Interaction.” Journal of Communication, vol. 61, no. 6, Dec. 2011, pp. 1104–1121, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2011.01595.x.
“The Positives and Negatives of Parasocial Relationships: When Fandom Goes Too Far | UT Permian Basin Online.” Online.utpb.edu, 9 Aug. 2023, online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/sociology/the-positives-and-negatives-of-parasocial-relationships-when-fandom-goes-too-far/.
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