"Parasocial" describes a one-sided relationship where a person feels a strong emotional connection or intimacy with a media figure (like a celebrity, influencer, or fictional character) who is unaware of their existence, creating an illusion of friendship or intimacy through media like TV, social media, or streaming. Coined in the 1950s, it's common, often harmless, fostering belonging but can become unhealthy if it replaces real relationships or becomes obsessive. Cambridge Dictionary named "parasocial" its 2025 Word of the Year, highlighting its relevance in modern online culture. 

Key Aspects of Parasocial Relationships (PSRs)

One-Sided: The follower invests time and emotion, while the media personality doesn't know them.

Media-Mediated: Formed through consuming media like TV, movies, social media, podcasts, and even AI.

Illusion of Intimacy: Viewers feel they know the figure personally, as if they were a real friend.

Range of Figures: Applies to celebrities, fictional characters, athletes, and content creators. 

Types of PSRs

Entertainment-Social: A light, enjoyable connection, like feeling happy when your favorite streamer wins.

Intense-Personal: A deeper, more emotional bond, feeling like you understand their struggles.

Borderline-Pathological: Unhealthy levels involving compulsions or delusions, like believing the celebrity loves you back. 

Why They Matter

Benefits: Can provide comfort, community, identity development, and reduce loneliness.

Risks: Can lead to obsession, disappointment, or negatively impact real-life relationships if too intense.

Modern Relevance: The rise of social media makes these connections more intense and common, impacting language and culture.