Most people are in a Parasocial Relationship...
- AI it News
- Dec 28, 2023
- 4 min read
Parasocial relationships, also known as one-sided relationships, are a phenomenon where individuals form a perceived bond with media figures such as celebrities, athletes, or even fictional characters. This connection is based on the public persona of the celebrity, rather than actual face-to-face interactions. These relationships have become increasingly prevalent in today's society, with the rise of social media and the constant exposure to celebrities' lives. But why do we trust celebrities so easily, despite knowing that we don't truly know them? Let's explore some possible reasons behind this.
Firstly, the media plays a significant role in creating and maintaining these parasocial relationships. Celebrities are carefully crafted and marketed as relatable and aspirational figures, making it easy for us to feel connected to them. From carefully curated social media posts to highly scripted interviews, the media controls the narrative of the celebrity's life, often portraying them as perfect and unattainable. As a result, we develop a sense of familiarity and trust with these individuals, as we feel like we know them on a personal level.
Another factor that contributes to the trust we place in celebrities is the concept of social proof. This is the idea that people tend to follow the actions and opinions of others, especially those they admire or look up to. When a celebrity endorses a product or a cause, it can influence their followers to do the same, even if they have no personal knowledge or experience with it. This is because we trust that the celebrity has done their research and is making a well-informed decision. We also want to be associated with the same things as our favorite celebrities, which further strengthens our trust in them.
A study found also that sex appeal and mystique attract us to them. Gayle S Stever
Psychological Reports 68 (3), 859-866, 1991
In this study the Celebrity Appeal Questionnaire was constructed to operationalize constructs related to parasocial attraction or attraction to celebrities by their fans. The article contains a factor analysis of responses on this questionnaire by 81 college students and a group of 367 Michael Jackson concert attendees. Components of parasocial attraction were perceived sex appeal, perceived competence (here as an entertainer), and perception of the artist as a prosocial person. Mystique was not a predictor of fans' attraction. Further work to establish generality of applicability of the scales and findings is discussed. Psychological Reports 68 (3), 859-866, 1991
Furthermore, celebrities often have a large following and influence, making them seem like experts in their respective fields. For example, we may trust a celebrity's fitness advice because they have a fit and toned body, or their fashion choices because they are always dressed impeccably. This perceived expertise in certain areas can lead us to trust and value their opinions and recommendations.
Moreover, parasocial relationships provide a sense of escapism and emotional support for many individuals. People often turn to celebrities for entertainment, inspiration, and motivation. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with negative news and stress, it's comforting to have someone to look up to and admire. Celebrities also share their personal struggles and vulnerabilities, making us feel like we are not alone in our own challenges. This sense of connection and understanding can lead to a deep sense of trust and loyalty towards the celebrity.
In conclusion, our trust in celebrities is influenced by various factors, including the media, social proof, perceived expertise, and emotional support. However, it's essential to remember that these relationships are one-sided and based on a carefully crafted public image. We must be mindful of not blindly trusting everything a celebrity says or does and remember that they are human, just like us. While it's okay to admire and look up to celebrities, it's crucial to maintain a level of critical thinking and not let these parasocial relationships blind us. The problem with parasocial relationships is that they are often based on an idealized version of a person. We only see the curated and carefully crafted version of them that they choose to show us. In reality, we do not truly know these individuals, and we cannot fully trust them. They are, after all, strangers to us, and their main goal is to maintain their public image and keep their fans engaged.
The danger of putting our trust in these individuals becomes apparent when they are involved in scandals or controversies. We are often quick to defend them and make excuses for their actions, even if it goes against our own moral values. This blind loyalty can be damaging, not only to ourselves but also to society. We are essentially giving our trust to someone who may not have our best interests at heart.
Moreover, parasocial relationships can also have a negative impact on our mental health. When we invest too much of ourselves into these one-sided relationships, we can become emotionally attached and reliant on them. This can lead to feelings of disappointment, loneliness, and even depression when the relationship is not reciprocated.
So, what can we do to avoid falling into the trap of parasocial relationships?
The key is to maintain a healthy level of detachment and perspective. It is important to remember that these individuals are not our friends or mentors, and their actions do not reflect on us. We should also limit our exposure to their content and not let it consume our lives.
While parasocial relationships may provide some benefits, we must be cautious not to put our trust in fools. We should always keep in mind that these individuals are not who they portray themselves to be, and we should not let their actions affect us deeply. Instead, we should focus on building real and meaningful relationships with the people in our lives who truly deserve our trust. 28/12/23 AI+DC
See papers by.
M Tsay, BM Bodine - Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 2012 - psycnet.apa.org
Bui, N. H. (2017). Exploring similarity characteristics, identification, and parasocial interactions in choice of celebrities. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 6(1), 21–
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