Parasocial relationships 

In the digital age, fandom is no longer confined to poster on bedroom walls, or interviews on the television. Today, celebrities live in our pockets, on our phones, in our social media feeds and even in our dreams. This ever-present access to public figures has reshaped how fans engage with them, giving rise to the rapid growth of parasocial relationships.  

A parasocial relationship is defined as a one-sided, non-reciprocal bond in which a person forms a sense of connection and often intimacy with a public figure who is unaware of said bond. While the concept isn’t a modern one (originally coined by 1950s sociologists Horton and Wohl) its influence has never been more widespread or intense. In the past, this dynamic was largely limited to fans of TV anchors or film stars, but now, the intimacy of social media has blurred the lines between public and private, making these relationships feel startlingly real. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allowing stars to present curated versions of their lives, fans often feel they truly “know” them.  

Sydney Sweeney: The ‘Relatable Star’ 

Sydney Sweeney rose to stardom through hit series like Euphoria and The While Lotus, where she played emotionally raw, often vulnerable characters. But beyond the screen, her real-life persona (amplified through social media has deepened fans’ emotional investment). She regularly shares glimpses into her life: crying after reading scripts, working on vintage cars in her garage, and struggling with industry beauty standards. While her vulnerability may be genuine, it’s part of a public-facing identity that has been shaped and managed, just like any other brand. 

This relatability invites parasocial connection; many fans see Sweeney not just as an actress, but as a friend they’re rooting for. They empathise with her struggles and defend her fiercely online. When she faced recent backlash regarding an American Eagle advert with racist connotations, and over a family event with political implications, the internet erupted, not just with criticism but with deep emotional reactions from fans who felt personally betrayed or confused. This level of investment isn’t just admiration; it’s a sign of emotional overidentification. The gap between Sweeney’s real self and her persona becomes harder to distinguish, especially from fans who consume her content daily.  

Why Are Parasocial Relationships Growing? 

Several forces are at play regarding the accelerating growth of parasocial relationships in today’s culture: 

1. Social Media Intimacy: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive on a sense of authenticity. Influencers and celebrities often share behind the scenes content, emotional footage, and direct to the camera confessions that mimic real conversations. This form of communication triggers the brain’s social bonding mechanisms, leading users to feel as if they’re part of a real relationship.  

2. Loneliness and Isolation: In a post-pandemic world marked by loneliness, disconnection and social anxiety, parasocial relationships offer comfort. They allow people to feel emotionally engaged without the risk of vulnerability, rejection, or conflict that real life relationships often bring.  

3. The Illusion of Access: While past celebrities were distant and controlled by media gatekeepers, today’s stars are a DM away, or at least it feels this way. Even if the interaction is never reciprocated, the potential for response makes the relationship feel more interactive than it really is. 

4. Identity and Escapism: For many, especially teenagers and young adults, parasocial connections serve as a space for identity exploration. For example, fans may see themselves in Sydney Sweeney’s insecurities. Having these figures can help fans imagine different versions of themselves or escape from their own realities.  

The Dark Side of Parasocial Attachment 

While parasocial relationships can provide comfort and a sense of belonging, they can also become obsessive or toxic. Fans may feel entitled to parts of celebrities’ lives, leading to backlash when stars date someone new, express opposing political views, or simply set boundaries. As fans feel closer, the desire to know ‘everything’ intensifies. Paparazzi photos, leaked content and rumour are often consumed without regard for the individual’s personal life. On the flip side, the emotional toll that can occur for the fan can be detrimental; as the excessive emotional investment grows, the displacement of real-world relationships follows the same trend. Some people may turn to celebrity content to avoid dealing with interpersonal issues, and while this can bring relief, the long-term effects of mental health can be devastating. 

Redefining Celebrity Culture 

As the internet continues to reshape celebrity culture, both stars and platforms need to evolve. Some public figures are already pushing back; more celebrities are taking social media breaks, hiring digital teams to control online presence, or drawing clearer lines between private and public life.  

On the audience side, media literacy is essential. Understanding the mechanics of parasocial relationships, how they form, why they’re emotionally powerful, and what healthy boundaries are, can help fans engage more mindfully. It’s also important for platforms to consider how their algorithms reward parasocial dynamics. Content that feels intimate and emotional often performs better, but that success can come at the cost of real human boundaries.  

Parasocial relationships aren’t inherently unhealthy, but they demand a new level of awareness, as celebrities become more accessible than ever, fans must ask themselves: Do I admire this person, or do I think I know them?  

Understanding that distinction could be the key to preserving both emotional well-being and humanity of those we admire.  

Written by Olivia Lassman 

Edited by Robin Smith 

Subedited by Jess Dunipace and Lydia Gallagher