Living in a parasocial world: When your new 'best friend' is a popular stranger
In 2025, 'parasocial' became the word of the year, reflecting a world where emotional bonds with public figures feel like friendships. From influencers to athletes, this one-sided connection offers comfort and community, blurring lines between fantasy and reality. This phenomenon, amplified by social media, shapes our modern human experience, bringing both joy and potential pitfalls.
In 2025, 'parasocial' became the word of the year, reflecting a world where emotional bonds with public figures feel like friendships. From influencers to athletes, this one-sided connection offers comfort and community, blurring lines between fantasy and reality. This phenomenon, amplified by social media, shapes our modern human experience, bringing both joy and potential pitfalls.
