According to a study published in May 2021, it is said that the Covid-19 pandemic increases our capacity to have parasocial relationships. Because, when social distance continues, parasocial closeness also increases.
Coupled with this, many artists or influencers have found ways to encourage parasocial relationships by communicating with fans online.
With so many things they share through social media, they form a stronger connection with fans, it's like they know idols better because they often see their daily lives on social media. Though, one thing to keep in mind is that all public figures only project what they want fans to see.
Then what exactly is a parasocial relationship that is increasingly being discussed and is it a normal relationship for someone to have?
What is a Parasocial Relationship?
Simply put, a parasocial relationship is a form of social interaction in which one party knows a lot about the other, but the other party knows nothing about them. Or it could be said as a one-sided relationship.
Launching the Prevention page, according to a professor of psychology at Wellesley College who studies parasocial interactions, Sally Theran, Ph.D, a parasocial relationship is an imaginary, one-sided relationship formed by an individual with a public figure they do not know personally.
Parasocial relationships can basically happen to anyone, but they are very common among public figures, such as celebrities, musicians, athletes, influencers, writers, presenters, and directors.
"They also don't have to be real. Characters from books or anime, TV shows, and movies can occupy the same definition," Theran said.
Parasocial Relationship/ Photo: Pexels.com/ Cottonbro
Parasocial Relationship/ Photo: Pexels.com/ Cottonbro
Quoted from Medical News Today, adolescents are the age group most likely to have parasocial relationships. This relationship also occurs with people who feel lonely or lack self-confidence. This makes it possible for adults to develop these relationships. Adolescents who experience bullying are also more likely to develop parasocial relationships.
Factors Occurring Parasocial Relationships
According to Gayle Stever, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Empire State College, a large part of parasocial relationships originate when someone is admired from a distance. Often occurs through social media, but can also form in other environments.
"The lack of reciprocity is the main determining factor", said Steve.
In fact, parasocial relationships are nothing new. The term was first coined by researchers Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl in 1956 in response to the rise of the mass media, especially TV, which flocked to American homes.
Radio, television, and film are thought to provide the 'illusion' of a face-to-face relationship with the person they admire.
Fortunately, parasocial relationships are a normal type of relationship and tend to be quite healthy to some extent. Because, parasocial relationships usually do not replace other real relationships. In fact, it can be said that almost everyone has experienced this one relationship.
However, parasocial relationships can become toxic and unhealthy, if the relationship is too strong.
Many fans in these relationships want to have real interactions with their idols, but they never will. Even if they get a response from their idol, the response is usually superficial and impersonal.
When parasocial relationships replace all other forms of social interaction, the person isolates others from their social world and real-life interactions. They find refuge in parasocial relationships, which of course are not as deep and satisfying as the two-way social relationships that exist in real life.