Parasocial relationships are non-reciprocal connections that can have both positive and negative effects. They happen due to our natural need for connection and can affect a person’s emotions, behaviors, and perceptions.
Though not a formally recognised mental health diagnosis, parasocial relationships have been researched since the 1950s.
Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships where an individual feels a strong emotional connection to a media figure, such as a celebrity, fictional character, or social media influencer, despite the lack of reciprocal interaction.
These relationships often develop through repeated exposure to the media figure’s content, such as TV shows, movies, social media posts, YouTube videos, podcasts, or live-streams.
How it develops
Parasocial relationships typically develop over time as you spend more time consuming content featuring the media figure.
The familiarity and consistency of the media figure’s presence can create a sense of intimacy and emotional connection, similar to relationships with friends or family members.
There are a few ways to know if you have a parasocial relationship.
| It’s one-sided | Unlike traditional relationships, parasocial relationships are usually one-sided. The person you feel you have a relationship with may be unaware of your existence, and you may have no direct interaction or mutual exchange. However, in the case of live-streamers, there may be some interaction. |
| Emotional attachment | You may experience a strong emotional attachment to the figure. For example, you may feel joy, sadness, excitement, or empathy based on their actions or experiences you see in the media. |
| Perceived intimacy | Parasocial relationships can create a sense of perceived intimacy. This means you feel you know the media figure personally, despite the lack of actual interaction. Although in some cases, you may have some interaction with the person, it’s generally not a true connection. |
| Effects on your behavior | These relationships can influence your behavior, preferences, and attitudes. You may mimic the media figure’s style, adopt their viewpoints, or engage in activities related to their content. |
It depends. There are pros and cons to parasocial relationships, and it mostly comes down to whether or not you’re experiencing negative effects in your life because of it.
Positive effects
- Emotional support: Parasocial relationships can provide a sense of comfort and emotional support, especially during times of loneliness or stress.
- Entertainment and enjoyment: Engaging with and following content featuring your favorite media figure can be a source of enjoyment and entertainment.
- Role models: Media figures can serve as role models, inspiring you to pursue goals, develop skills, or adopt positive behaviors.
- Identity: Imagined connections with celebrities and media figures may help adolescents form their identities and develop autonomy.
Negative effects
- Unrealistic expectations: Parasocial relationships can lead to unrealistic expectations about real-life relationships and interactions.
- Emotional dependency: Overreliance on parasocial relationships for emotional support can hinder the development of healthy, reciprocal relationships.
- Disappointment: Discrepancies between the media figure’s portrayed persona and their real-life actions can lead to disappointment and disillusionment.
- Masking other issues: A parasocial relationship may be masking other issues, such as loneliness. It may contribute to feelings of isolation.
It’s also important to realize that parasocial relationships play a significant role in marketing and media strategies.
Advertisers and content creators often leverage the emotional connections between media figures and their audiences to promote products, services, and content.
You can try a few things to rein in your parasocial relationship if you find it’s getting in the way of your life.
- awareness: Try to recognize the one-sided nature of parasocial relationships and understand that they differ from reciprocal, real-life relationships.
- balance: Maintain a balance between parasocial relationships and real-life interactions. Make time to engage in activities that encourage genuine connections with your friends, family, and peers.
- healthy boundaries: Set healthy boundaries to prevent overreliance on parasocial relationships for emotional support. Get professional help if you feel your parasocial relationships are negatively impacting your mental health or social life.
- mindful consumption: Consume media content critically, and try to stay aware of the difference between the portrayed persona and the real-life actions of media figures.
If you are experiencing negative effects in your life due to parasocial relationships, it may be time to get some help from a professional.
You can speak with your doctor, who may be able to refer you to a therapist, or you can find one yourself if you’d prefer.
If you’ve tried managing your parasocial relationship yourself and have not seen improvement, it’s not a failing on your part. Parasocial relationships are very common, and the increasing use of social media most definitely has a part to play.
Your doctor may be able to provide you with resources to help. Or, alternatively, they could refer you to a therapist.
Is it the same as erotomania?
No, erotomania is different from parasocial relationships.
Erotomania is a delusional disorder where you believe that someone, often a celebrity with whom you have no personal contact or communication, is in love with you. This person is often a celebrity with whom you have no contact or communication.
Erotomania is likely to be related to other psychiatric disorders and is listed in the DSM-5.
Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships, too, but the key difference is that you don’t believe the other person loves you back.
Is it related to celebrity worship syndrome?
No, though celebrity worship syndrome (CWS) is a form of parasocial relationship, it’s typically a more extreme version.
With CWS, your feelings and behaviors are obsessive and may cause harm to you or the media figure.
However, like parasocial relationships, CWS is not recognized in the DSM-5.
Parasocial relationships are a common phenomenon in today’s media-driven society and can have both positive and negative effects.
Understanding the nature of these relationships can help you navigate their impact on your emotions, behaviors, and social interactions.
By maintaining a balance and setting healthy boundaries, you can enjoy the benefits of parasocial relationships while ensuring you also develop genuine connections and real-life relationships.