parasocial relationship

Meaning

This term refers to a one-sided relationship where an internet user or fan feels a strong personal connection to a celebrity or creator, even though the creator does not know they exist. While originally a psychological term, it is now widely used in internet slang to criticize fans who get too emotionally invested in the lives of influencers or streamers.

Examples

• Many streamers encourage a parasocial relationship with their audience to boost engagement.

  Many streamers encourage a parasocial relationship with their audience to boost engagement.

• It's easy to develop a parasocial relationship with podcasters because you listen to them talk for hours.

  It's easy to develop a parasocial relationship with podcasters because you listen to them talk for hours.

• Her fans have such a strong parasocial relationship with her that they defend her from any criticism.

  Her fans have such a strong parasocial relationship with her that they defend her from any criticism.

• I had to remind myself that we aren't friends; it's just a parasocial relationship.

  I had to remind myself that we aren't friends; it's just a parasocial relationship.

• The documentary explores how social media intensifies the parasocial relationship between teens and pop stars.

  The documentary explores how social media intensifies the parasocial relationship between teens and pop stars.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have a parasocial friendship with that YouTuber.

  ✓ I have a parasocial relationship with that YouTuber.

  While it feels like a friendship, the established psychological and slang term is always 'parasocial relationship.'

• ✗ They are in a parasocial relationship together.

  ✓ He has a parasocial relationship with her.

  A parasocial relationship is strictly one-sided. Saying they are 'in' one 'together' implies a mutual connection, which contradicts the definition.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Feeling like you personally know a famous YouTuber is a classic example of a ___.

  💡 A one-sided psychological bond.

  Show answer

  parasocial relationship

• Some influencers exploit the ___ they have with fans to sell expensive merchandise.

  💡 The one-way connection between creator and audience.

  Show answer

  parasocial relationship