Parasocial
A one-sided emotional connection in which an audience member feels close to a public figure who does not know them personally.
“Defending the streamer like a close friend felt parasocial.”
It is commonly discussed around influencers, celebrities, streamers, and fictional characters.
Researchers Donald Horton and Richard Wohl introduced parasocial interaction in 1956; social media made the concept mainstream.
parasocial relationship
The fuller term for a one-sided audience bond.
parasocial attachment
An emotional attachment to a media figure.
parasocial behavior
Actions shaped by that one-sided sense of closeness.
What does Parasocial mean?
A one-sided emotional connection in which an audience member feels close to a public figure who does not know them personally.
How is Parasocial used?
It is commonly discussed around influencers, celebrities, streamers, and fictional characters.
Where did Parasocial come from?
Researchers Donald Horton and Richard Wohl introduced parasocial interaction in 1956; social media made the concept mainstream.