If you felt a connection with a celebrity this year, you’re in good company. The term “parasocial” has gained traction, and the Cambridge Dictionary named it their 2025 Word of the Year. So, what does “parasocial” mean? It refers to the feeling of connection someone experiences with a famous person, a character in a story, or even an AI, even though there is no personal relationship.
This term isn’t entirely new; it has been around for about 70 years. Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, notes that many people are now curious about these connections. In fact, the Cambridge Dictionary website saw a spike in lookups for “parasocial,” indicating a growing interest.
Take the recent engagement of pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce as an example. Fans who have long been enchanted by Swift felt they could celebrate this moment despite not knowing her personally.
However, these parasocial relationships aren’t always healthy. Simone Schnall, a psychology professor at the University of Cambridge, warns about the dangers of forming intense attachments to influencers. She explains that many individuals might mistakenly believe they truly “know” these personalities. This leads to misplaced trust and loyalty that is often one-sided.
Moreover, the concept of parasocial relationships is evolving with the rise of artificial intelligence. People are starting to interact with AI tools like ChatGPT as if they are friends offering support. Schnall points out that this can create an illusion of companionship and may especially affect young people.
In the broader context, social media trends show that many individuals are increasingly vulnerable to these relationships. A 2022 study revealed that over 60% of young adults feel close to a celebrity they follow online. With the unexpected impacts of technology, it’s crucial to understand these dynamics.
So, whether it’s through music, sports, or even AI, the connection to figures we don’t know personally is a fascinating reflection of our evolving social landscape.
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Hollywood, Taylor Swift, Entertainment
