A parasocial relationship is a one-sided interaction where one person feels a sense of connection or friendship with someone who is unaware of their existence, such as a celebrity or podcast host.
People often assume that if they know a lot about someone, that person must also know them, creating a false sense of reciprocity. This is supported by research showing that knowledge about others reduces one's sense of anonymity.
Parasocial relationships can be positive for mental health, especially in times of loneliness, as they provide a sense of connection and companionship. However, excessive reliance on them can displace real-life interactions.
Research by Bradley Bond shows that audiences can develop socio-emotional bonds with out-group television characters, which can influence attitudes and behaviors similarly to direct interpersonal contact, potentially reducing prejudice.
AI relationships, like with Alexa or Siri, are considered a form of parasocial interaction. However, as AI becomes more advanced, it could evolve into a more complex form of friendship, blurring the lines between parasocial and real relationships.
Imaginary friends help children practice relationships and understand social dynamics. They serve as a way to explore interactions and build social skills, similar to how parasocial relationships can function for adults.
A listener found solace in podcasts during a lonely period in England, feeling a sense of companionship and humor that helped her through clinical depression. This demonstrates how parasocial relationships can serve as a mental health tool.
Over-reliance on parasocial relationships can lead to a vicarious lifestyle, where real-life experiences and interactions are replaced by media consumption, potentially hindering personal growth and social development.
Why does listening to No Stupid Questions feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends? Why did the whole world take it personally when Princess Diana died? And how do “parasocial relationships” affect your mental health?
SOURCES:
Bradley Bond), professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego.
John Cacioppo), professor of psychology at the University of Chicago.
Joe Cobbs), professor of marketing at Northern Kentucky University.
Nick Epley), professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago.
Katy Milkman), professor of operations, information, and decisions at the University of Pennsylvania.
Emily Oster), professor of economics at Brown University.
Anuj Shah), professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago.
RESOURCES:
"Knowledge About Others Reduces One’s Own Sense of Anonymity)," by Anuj K. Shah and Michael LaForest (Nature, 2022).
"Tragic but True: How Podcasters Replaced Our Real Friends)," by Rachel Aroesti (The Guardian, 2021).
"The Development and Influence of Parasocial Relationships With Television Characters: A Longitudinal Experimental Test of Prejudice Reduction Through Parasocial Contact)," by Bradley J. Bond (Communication Research, 2020).
"A Mind like Mine: The Exceptionally Ordinary Underpinnings of Anthropomorphism)," by Nicholas Epley (Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2018).
"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance)," by Angela Duckworth (TED, 2013).
"How Soap Operas Changed the World)," by Stephanie Hegarty (BBC, 2012).
"The Power of TV: Cable Television and Women's Status in India)," by Robert Jensen and Emily Oster (The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2009).
EXTRAS:
"Can A.I. Companions Replace Human Connection?)" by *No Stupid Questions *(2024).
"Rivalry)," by *Tell Me Something I Don't Know *(2017).