In defense of parasocial relationships

If you've traveled to any depths of the internet this year, you've probably picked up on the growing rumble around parasocial relationships. The term—which refers to one-sided social and emotional connections developed with fictional characters or celebrities—has increasingly been used to describe a small but vocal group of poorly behaved fans.

As a lifelong fangirl who's juggled numerous parasocial relationships, I suspected this take lacked nuance. When I reached out to a few psychologists who have spent decades studying these attachments, I learned that their research reveals parasocial relationships are good for the majority of people who engage in them. Some studies, for example, suggest parasocial bonds can boost confidence while helping people form an identity and become closer to their ideal self. One of the biggest benefits I've experienced is a sense of community: I've made dozens of friends while camped out in line to see my favorite musicians perform, as well as in social-media fan groups.

So what about the celebrities on the other side? Clinical psychologist Lynn Zubernis collaborated on a book with Supernatural actors about how the TV show changed lives. She was surprised at the emotional benefits the cast described: "They talked about feeling this unusual sense of support that allowed them to take chances and do things they wouldn’t have otherwise done,” she told me.

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