309. The psychology of parasocial relationships

309. 假想社交关系的心理学

The Psychology of your 20s

2025-07-01

49 分钟
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Why do we form intense, one-sided bonds with people we've never met? From favourite podcasters and social media influencers to beloved fictional characters, parasocial relationships are a defining feature of modern life – but what do these seemingly non-reciprocal connections truly reveal about our need for connection? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships: why our brains are wired for these intimate-at-a-distance bonds, and how they play a surprisingly significant role, especially in our twenties. We explore: Characteristics of parasocial relationships Why our ancient brains are predisposed to form these connections The parasocial relationships spectrum, from casual engagement to pathological obsession The profound positive benefits of companionship and role modelling When parasocial relationships become imbalanced How to cultivate healthy engagement with online personalities   Whether you feel like you're best friends with a YouTuber or just curious about the invisible ties that bind us to media figures, this episode is for you.   Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • This is an iHeart Podcast.

  • Hello everybody and welcome back to the Psychology of Your 20s,

  • the podcast where we talk through some of the big life changes and transitions of our 20s and what they mean for our psychology.

  • Hello, everybody.

  • Welcome back to the show.

  • Welcome back to the podcast.

  • New listeners, old listeners, wherever you are in the world,

  • it is so great to have you here back for another episode

  • as we of course break down the psychology of our 20s.

  • Today, we are diving into a fascinating, increasingly prevalent aspect of modern life.

  • We're talking about parasocial relationships.

  • You might be thinking, what in the world is a parasocial relationship?

  • I can almost guarantee that you've experienced one.

  • Have you ever felt a very strong connection to a YouTuber or a podcaster whose voice you hear every week?

  • Do you follow a specific celebrity on Instagram and are really invested in their relationship,

  • in their friendships, in what they're doing personally?

  • Do you find yourself genuinely happy or deeply sad based on what's happening in a fictional character's life from a TV show or from a book?

  • Is there a musician you admire or someone you admire who you have been following for years and their struggles and their triumphs feel like your own?

  • If you answered yes to any of those questions, congratulations.

  • You have been in a parasocial relationship.