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Social media has given us trends, exposure to other cultures, GRWMs, and inside-looks into celebrities' lives. However, with this significantly increased access to people online, especially those who are famous, a scary tendency has begun to emerge in which individuals believe they know an actor or singer personally and therefore have a right to certain information or consideration. This is called a parasocial relationship, and it threatens the mental wellbeing of individuals on either end of these abnormal interactions.
Social media has given us trends, exposure to other cultures, GRWMs, and inside-looks into celebrities' lives. However, with this significantly increased access to people online, especially those who are famous, a scary tendency has begun to emerge in which individuals believe they know an actor or singer personally and therefore have a right to certain information or consideration. This is called a parasocial relationship, and it threatens the mental wellbeing of individuals on either end of these abnormal interactions.
"Celebrities" have been a thing since civilization began. Whether it was a pretty young suitress from down the street whom everyone knew or the King of a country, societies often featured "popular" people whom many may desire to become or know. In the past century, many (normal) individuals became celebrities by being featured on the radio or the movie screen. At concerts and in theatres, millions would swoon for Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby, often seeing them as perfect or untouchable, yet understanding that they are not a friend.
With the uprise of social media and "relatabiliity"-focused videos (e.g. day in the life or no make-up clips), mass audiences now have access to perceive a celebrity's personality, quirks, and talents, just as they would a loved one. Accordingly, videos and photos online allow people to see glimpses into famous peoples' lives, in the same way one would keep up with friends and family.
Examples of Parasocial Relationships
Examples of Parasocial Relationships
Rebecca Schaeffer, a teen model and actress in the 80s, was killed by an obsessed fan after stalking her for three years.
The Royal Family is idolized and followed by paparazzi everywhere they go. When Kate Middleton, the princess of Wales, returned to the public scene and announced that she had cancer, fans around the world began analyzing she and her family's photos to find evidence of when she became ill or to prove that some images were photoshopped. Other fans sent flowers and thoughtful welcomes, as if they knew her personally.
The Beatles had obsessive fans (even before social media) who followed their everyday moves, swamping them at hotels and airports, making it dangerous for them to go ou in public without a security team, if at all.
Taylor Swift is a popular example of parasocial relationships because her fans feel a close emotional bond to her personal life through her songs and online persona. Recently, she has faced backlash for not giving her fans enough gratefulness and acknowledgement in public spaces, especially when out on personal days going grocery shopping or visiting a friend.
Youtuber and influencer Emma Chamberlain grew a massive following in her teenage years for being vulnerable, relatable, and imperfect. Exposing her "unpolished" side on her social media platforms and podcast created a parasocial folloiwing of young women who felt they knew her personally.
Dangers of Parasocial Relationships
Dangers of Parasocial Relationships
With many parasocial relationships, celebrities are expected to provide a certain amount of attention or care to their fans, as expected with a standard friendship or relationship.
For the fan:
For the fan:
Reliance on parasocial relationships often leads to social isolation or loneliness as a result of pulling away from in-real-life relationships.
Social anxiety can develop or be made worse when individuals feel their real-life interactions are inadequate as compared to their online ones.
Worsened self-esteem comes with self-dissatisfaction after seeing their idols in a natural yet "perfect form." This can also manifest as eating disorders or self-harm.
According to WebMD, a study found that individuals who worship celebrities "tend to score lower on cognitive tests."
Healthy habits may stop after a parasocial relationship ends. A study on viewers of the show The Biggest Loser [4] revealed that fans felt "distress" when the show ended and were also less likely too uphold their own fitness goals or weight-loss routines.
For the celebrity:
For the celebrity:
Obsessive fans or viewers that perceive celebrities to be their friend or significant other often stalk or commit acts of violence toward the celebrity, threatening their safety and mental wellbeing also.
Celebrities may feel pressured to over-share personal details or anecdotes online, "owing" it to their fans to keep their viewership up.
Burnout can ensue if celebrities are constantly trying to maintain an online presence at the cost of their mental wellbeing.
Written by: Siena
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