Parasocial Relationships
Many idolize the celebrated or famous people. The lure of glitz and glam is irresistible. It is not always about glamour, though. Aristocrats, glitterati, and elites demand our attention without asking. It makes sense as we are drawn towards success. Our main goal is to succeed in the game of life, so naturally, people who are thriving give us hope, and we look up to them.
Sometimes, this attraction is beyond being inspired. Some people cross the healthy boundary and enter into parasocial relationships with celebrities and even fictional characters. This connection is one-sided but feels real to them. They idolize, flatter, follow, and obsess over celebs, buying celebrity-approved or celebrity-brand products as soon as they come out. It also goes for books where their favorite fictional character resides or when it is written by their favorite author.
Such a mania begins with regular people identifying with someone beyond their circle or reach. It is different from being inspired as a parasocial behavior stems from loneliness. That’s why the imaginary connection feels strong. Somewhere, they realize this connection is one-sided. When their loneliness void is filled by a celeb or fictional character, they know they will never abandon them as they don’t exist in their life in the first place. There is a very low chance of being disappointed because there is no expectation from the other side. This mindset is dangerous as they foster one-sided friendships and carry on conversations with them. With the rise in social media interactions, such behavior gets more encouragement when their favorite celebrity likes their comment, post, or replies.
When one is a fan or engages in fandom, they know the boundary between the one they idolize and themselves. They know their social circle, financial status, and other differences. With parasocial connections, people feel they have control over the one they idolize. In some cases, YouTubers have had to call out such people to have them back off.
In conclusion, one forms a parasocial connection when lonely and perhaps socially awkward. And yet, they are confident that they know their idols and go into addiction, which stops them from having a real relationship with anyone else. An imaginary relationship supersedes connecting with another human being in person as it entails no actual partnership. Lack of mutual effort gives parasocial people a sense of dominance.
What is not to be forgotten is that it is false.
If you enjoyed this, consider reading my books, which are available on Amazon. You may start with ACE UMBRA, a standalone novel and my latest work.
Sometimes, this attraction is beyond being inspired. Some people cross the healthy boundary and enter into parasocial relationships with celebrities and even fictional characters. This connection is one-sided but feels real to them. They idolize, flatter, follow, and obsess over celebs, buying celebrity-approved or celebrity-brand products as soon as they come out. It also goes for books where their favorite fictional character resides or when it is written by their favorite author.
Such a mania begins with regular people identifying with someone beyond their circle or reach. It is different from being inspired as a parasocial behavior stems from loneliness. That’s why the imaginary connection feels strong. Somewhere, they realize this connection is one-sided. When their loneliness void is filled by a celeb or fictional character, they know they will never abandon them as they don’t exist in their life in the first place. There is a very low chance of being disappointed because there is no expectation from the other side. This mindset is dangerous as they foster one-sided friendships and carry on conversations with them. With the rise in social media interactions, such behavior gets more encouragement when their favorite celebrity likes their comment, post, or replies.
When one is a fan or engages in fandom, they know the boundary between the one they idolize and themselves. They know their social circle, financial status, and other differences. With parasocial connections, people feel they have control over the one they idolize. In some cases, YouTubers have had to call out such people to have them back off.
In conclusion, one forms a parasocial connection when lonely and perhaps socially awkward. And yet, they are confident that they know their idols and go into addiction, which stops them from having a real relationship with anyone else. An imaginary relationship supersedes connecting with another human being in person as it entails no actual partnership. Lack of mutual effort gives parasocial people a sense of dominance.
What is not to be forgotten is that it is false.
If you enjoyed this, consider reading my books, which are available on Amazon. You may start with ACE UMBRA, a standalone novel and my latest work.
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