Writer Biography

Sophia Baumann is an ambitious first-year undergrad at Utah State University majoring in psychology and minoring in yoga studies. Currently, Sophia attends school full-time and works part-time at an eating disorder unit just outside of Logan. In addition, Sophia is part of the Utah State swing dance club and an active member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. During her free time, you can find Sophia going on a run or a hike in the canyon.

This essay was composed in December 2022 in an English 1010 class. Baumann uses MLA documentation.

RIVA TUKACHINSKY FORSTER, AUTHOR of the book Parasocial Romantic Relationships: Falling in Love with Media Figures, defines parasocial relationships as interpersonal connections that “do not occur in the social world but in one’s imagination” (Forster 1). When people think of parasocial relationships, they might associate them with teenage girls excitedly crying to a One Direction song and covering every inch of their bedroom walls with overpriced magazine posters of their favorite members. However, parasocial relationships are not exclusive nor limited to adolescents with celebrity crushes and can affect people of all races, ages, and genders. Even with the increase in social media use and the spread of information due to the internet in recent years, parasocial relationships are not an entirely new concept and can also be found in politics and religion. Even with the increase in social media use and the spread of information due to the internet in recent years, parasocial relationships are not an entirely new concept. Adolescents with insecure attachment styles and low self-esteem are more likely to engage in parasocial relationships. These relationships can warp their perception of self and their concept of reality by presenting them with unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, some scientists and doctors argue that most parasocial relationships during adolescence and even adulthood are innocent and can have more positive than negative effects, including allowing a person’s creative mind to be more active and helping them to imitate social skills they may desire. Parasocial relationships affect adolescents in both positive and negative ways relating to their perception of self.

Before the internet, parasocial relationships centered on traditional markers of authority, like religious and political institutions. The senior thesis, The Power of the Influencer: Old Gods, Rejected Elites, and Secular Idols, by Laura Brenalvirez, opens a conversation about how parasocial relationships functioned before the internet. Brenalvirez explains the primary influences on society once “revolv[ed] around…religion, the nuclear family, national pride, [and] faith in capitalism,” and accordingly, parasocial relationships also developed surrounding these “key establishments” (Brenalvirez 2). While parasocial relationships are commonly associated with young adolescents and their favorite members of a boy band, like One Direction or BTS, Brenalvirez looks deeper into where the idea arrives and how impressionable individuals are affected and influenced without the use of the internet. She explains that as people’s investment in those “key establishments” has declined, they have “turn[ed] to influencers for guidance and knowledge,” shifting their reliance to figures on the internet (Brenalvirez 4). The power dynamic of influencers and celebrities has evolved over the last couple of years, especially when it comes to influencing consumerism, politics, and the spread of information. Individuals tend to consider celebrities and people with a higher social status than them with more wisdom and education, even though that may not be true. Despite the credibility of a media figure’s message, historically, most public viewers will listen and respect their opinion, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

Studies have shown that relationships that occur in the social world rather than the imagined one have more benefits than parasocial relationships when looking for satisfaction in daily communication. The negative impacts of parasocial relationships can be amplified in adolescents because their cognitive functions are still developing. Harvard Health explains that the brain does not fully mature until at least a person is in their 20s, and “[a]mong the last connections to be fully established are the links between the prefrontal cortex, seat of judgment and problem-solving, and the emotional centers in the limbic system, especially the amygdala” (“The Adolescent Brain” par. 6). This means that while the subconscious brain is collecting and digesting the lyrics to a catchy tune, it automatically sends messages and signals to the brain that the lyrics are true. Relating to popular boy bands like One Direction and BTS, lyrics such as “you don’t know you’re beautiful, oh-oh, that’s what makes you beautiful” are inuendos that one’s beauty only comes from the lack of confidence (One Direction). Natalie Morin explains in an article analyzing the negative impacts of song lyrics like those from One Direction that such lyrics only reinforce “an attitude that encourages insecurity while doing nothing to resolve it” (Morin par. 2). The negative impacts of parasocial relationships can be amplified in adolescents because their cognitive functions are still developing. The primary fanbase for this type of music are “little girls who range in age from about 8-14” (Morin par. 4) who might be more prone to the negative consequences of parasocial relationships because those links in the brain that are central to “judgment and problem-solving” (“The Adolescent Brain” par. 6) have not yet fully developed, which can lead to poor self-esteem and perception of self. Youth with low self-esteem are more prompt to adhere negatively to parasocial relationships. “Chapter 5: The Role of PSRRs in Adolescence” in Forster’s book targets pre-teens’ and teens’ attachment styles. Those with insecure attachment styles are historically more likely to develop parasocial romantic relationships “to satisfy their unfulfilled social needs” (Forster 48). This need is dangerous because if an adolescent solely relies on parasocial relationships for comfort and stability, they do not receive all the benefits and communication skills relationships that occur in the social world can offer.

The negative impacts of parasocial relationships on adolescents can be amplified further with technology. In The University of Southampton’s entertainment magazine, The Edge, Morgan McMillan published “How Wattpad Ruined a Generation” in 2020. She explains how Wattpad, a free and popular platform to publish fan fiction, became a venue for “teenagers from the ages 13-16 years old [to become] authors… [,] reciting their very own love story with their favourite celebrity” (McMillan par. 1). McMillan emphasizes the dangers of exposure to overtly sexual material at such an impressionable age, particularly, how vulnerable and impressionable one must be in order for this behavior to escalate into a parasocial relationship. She explains, “[T]hough it saw teens explore themes of sexuality it did so in ways that glamorise and promote abuse” (McMillan par. 5). While fan fiction can be an essential creative outlet for adolescents, if the imagined relationships promote negative social behaviors, such as the predatory behavior frequently idolized in the fan fiction, those parasocial relationships have the potential to impact relationships that occur in the social world negatively.

A prominent example of negative behaviors being idolized in this fan fiction can be seen in the Netflix original, After. This movie is based on fan fiction initially published on Wattpad in 2014 by Anna Todd, who based the protagonist on Harry Styles of One Direction. This movie series allowed the demographic to broaden and influence more impressionable adolescents to partake in the toxicity of the Wattpad community. The romantic protagonist’s behaviors can make adolescents think that violence and emotional manipulation are normal. The glorified toxicity of relationships written by teenagers promoted to other teenagers distorts their grip on reality. It gives them a false sense of what a healthy relationship should look like, especially when glamorizing emotional and physical abuse and predatory behavior. These one-sided relationships created by fanfiction’s continuous reading and writing can be unhealthy for the developing mind. The lack of education combined with how easily accessible the material is for young people can be a breeding ground for spreading toxic ideals of love and relationships.

The sexual nature of content in media, however, is not necessarily considerably flawed. Enjoying a form of media where viewers and readers are susceptible to engaging in a parasocial relationship with one of the characters or celebrity figures is “not a question of intellectual maturity. Most studies show that abstract reasoning, memory, and the formal capacity for planning are fully developed by age 15 or 16 . . . adolescent’s judgment can be overwhelmed by the urge for new experiences, thrill-seeking, and sexual and aggressive impulses” (“The Adolescent Brain” para. 3). Regardless of the emotional maturity, one may have, the new ideas and excitement from new experiences play into sexual urges and desires. Spending a lot of money on concert tickets or music or merchandise of a favorite celebrity increases serotonin levels. It boosts mood, and these impacts do not discriminate towards a person’s age. Positively affecting those with lower self-esteem, they get the thrill and excitement of something new, meeting their urges to boost their self-esteem and confidence, even if only for a short while.

In an online article by Bustle Magazine, “There’s a Reason You’re Unwell about the John Mulaney and Olivia Munn News,” Griffin Wynne also opposes the idea that all parasocial relationships are negative and affect adolescents in a harmful manner. The article references an interview with a doctor where they explored the many benefits parasocial relationships have on adolescents. Parasocial romantic relationships help individuals figure out things, like what one may like and dislike in a connection. They can also help people tap into one’s creative mind, allowing them to try on a different identity and test new things. Comparing parasocial relationships to playing dress up as a little kid or playing house is a positive experience. It can slowly incorporate ideas and opinions into real-life relationships in adolescence and adulthood. (Wynne)

When dealing with more emotional topics and subjects, such as coping with the loss of a loved one or addiction, it is suggested that even the simple thought of knowing that a celebrity or person in the media that you follow has gone through the same or similar hardship makes it easier (Wynne). Parasocial relationships allow comfort and illude a sense of community when one is going through a hard time. Parasocial relationships allow comfort and illude a sense of community when one is going through a hard time. This connection is beneficial for one who needs access to the resources of getting professional help or an immediate outside community. However, in addition to the parasocial relationship, people should seek out a real connection which benefits are more crucial to the healing process.

Parasocial relationships can also offer a safe space to fantasize. Tracy R. Gleason, a developmental psychologist, explains that “parasocial relationships can allow you to have some low-stakes fantasies. Because your celebrity fashion icon or role model is never going to reject you, feeling connected to them can create a safe space for you to daydream” (Wynne par. 19). In contrast, “Chapter 6: The Effects of PSRRs on Romantic Beliefs and Dating” of Forster’s book states that those who engage in parasocial romantic relationships specifically “cultivate unrealistic romantic expectations that potentially lead to disappointment when these unrealistic standards cannot be met in real-life romantic relationships” (Forster 64). On the other hand, parasocial relationships allow people to fantasize (Wynne). The internet and media can construct a safe and secure space to spread information on topics that may seem too difficult to discuss in other venues.

Parasocial relationships play a huge part in today’s society, especially regarding adolescents. Some of the most surprising discoveries are that parasocial relationships affect adolescents and individuals in adulthood almost the same, with the main differing factor being brain development. The difference between unhealthy and healthy parasocial relationships is when it turns into an obsession. The fine line between obsessive and “normal” parasocial relationships equates to how unstable an individual may be. This line relates to one’s attachment style, as well as their personal life and what social needs need to be fulfilled and satisfied. Politicians, celebrities, and influencers, both before and during the internet age, still hold tremendous persuasion on individuals. Platonic and romantic parasocial relationships have many positive and negative effects during adolescence and emerging adulthood regarding the perception of self, standards, reality, and personal life.

Works Cited

“The Adolescent Brain: Beyond Raging Hormones – Harvard Health.” Harvard Health Publishing, The President and Fellows of Harvard College, 7 Mar. 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-adolescent-brain-beyond-raging-hormones.

After. Directed by Jenny Gage, CalMaple, 2019.

Brenalvirez, Laura. “The Power of the Influencer: Old Gods, Rejected Elites, and Secular Idols.” Claremont McKenna College – Senior Thesis in Philosophy, 2022, https://doi.org/https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4186&conte xt=cmc_theses.

Forster Tukachinsky, Riva. Parasocial Romantic Relationships: Falling in Love with Media Figures, Lexington Books, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.dist.lib.usu.edu/lib/USU/detail.action?docID=656286. https://library2.usu.edu/eval_dist/url856.php?url=https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/USU/detail.action?docID=6562864.

McMillan, Morgan. “How Wattpad Ruined a Generation.” The Edge, 26 Sept. 2020, www.theedgesusu.co.uk/culture/2020/09/26/print-how-wattpad-ruins-generations/.

Morin, Natalie. “What Justin Bieber and One Direction Are Really Doing to Young Girls’ Self-Esteem.” Mic, 19 May 2014, www.mic.com/articles/89559/what-justin-bieber-and-one-direction-are-really-doing-to-young-girls-self-esteem. Accessed 15 Nov. 2022.

One Direction. “One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video).” YouTube, uploaded by One Direction, 19 Aug. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E.

Wynne, Griffin. “There’s a Reason You’re Unwell about the John Mulaney & Olivia Munn News.” Bustle, 14 Sept. 2021, www.bustle.com/wellness/why-parasocial-relationships-not-all-bad. Accessed 30 Oct. 2022.