Parasocial relationship - meaning and definition
Alsoparasocialparasocial interactionparasocial bond
Definition
A one-sided emotional bond with someone who does not know you personally, such as a celebrity, influencer, streamer or fictional character.
At a glance
- A one-sided bond with someone who does not know you.
- Common with celebrities, influencers and streamers.
- Can offer comfort and a sense of company.
- Can become unhealthy if it replaces real relationships.
- Social media makes these bonds feel more personal.
In detail
People can feel they genuinely know a podcaster or creator they follow closely, and may feel real affection, loyalty or even heartbreak. Social media, livestreams and direct-to-camera videos make these bonds feel more personal than ever.
Parasocial bonds are very common and can offer comfort, company and a sense of belonging. They can become harmful if they replace real-world relationships, lead to large spending, or turn into a belief that the other person owes you a relationship.
In a sentence
- I have such a parasocial relationship with that podcast host, I feel like we are friends.
- She realised her crush on the streamer was parasocial and started joining local clubs instead.
Where the word comes from
Coined by the sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl in 1956 to describe how television and radio audiences felt they knew presenters.
Common questions
Are parasocial relationships unhealthy?
Usually not. Most are harmless and can be comforting. It is worth reflecting if one takes up much of your time, money or emotional energy, or starts to replace relationships with people you actually know.