The Rise of Parasocial Relationships: Why We’re Besties with People We’ve Never Met

Have you ever found yourself talking about your favorite influencer like they're one of your closest friends? Trust me, you’re not alone! In today’s culture, parasocial relationships are totally a thing – and while it may sound like something straight out of a psych textbook, it’s really just a fancy way of describing how we feel connected to people we've never met (think YouTubers, TikTok stars, or that podcast host you swear gets you).

So, let’s dive into this super interesting phenomenon, what it means, and why it’s totally okay to feel like your favorite creator is your BFF!

What Even Is a Parasocial Relationship?

Parasocial relationships happen when we form a one-sided bond with a public figure, celebrity, or online personality. It's like when you watch your favorite vlogger’s daily routines and start to feel like you're part of their inner circle. The key difference? They don’t know you exist (ouch, right?). But honestly, that doesn’t stop us from feeling connected!

It’s easy to see how this works. The more you watch someone online, the more you see their life unfold, their ups and downs, and those unfiltered moments that feel so real. And let’s face it, in a world where authenticity is the new cool, that connection can feel more meaningful than a casual acquaintance IRL.

Why Are Parasocial Relationships Everywhere?

Back in the day, parasocial relationships were mostly reserved for movie stars and TV personalities, but today, with social media at our fingertips, they’re practically everywhere! We’re living in a time where people share every part of their lives online (hello, Instagram Stories), making it super easy to get invested.

Here’s the deal: Humans are wired for connection. We want to feel understood, and we crave relationships. With influencers and creators sharing personal details, daily routines, and even their emotional struggles, it's easy to think, Wow, they’re just like me!

I mean, I’m guilty of it too! I follow a few Creators/Influencers religiously (no shame!), and sometimes I catch myself thinking, “OMG, if we met, we would totally be friends.” It’s funny how watching someone’s content can feel like hanging out, even if it's just from the other side of the screen.

The Good and the Not-So-Good of Parasocial Relationships

Now, there are definitely some pros to these one-sided friendships. For one, they can be a source of comfort. If you’re having a rough day, watching your favorite influencer’s new video can feel like grabbing coffee with a friend who knows exactly how to cheer you up. Parasocial relationships can also inspire us to try new things – like when my favorite travel vlogger convinced me I had to visit Iceland (still on my bucket list!).

But on the flip side, these relationships can sometimes create unrealistic expectations. We might see only the highlights of someone’s life and compare it to our own, which can lead to some serious FOMO or feelings of inadequacy. And because it’s one-sided, there’s always that subtle reminder: they’re not really your friend. They’re a brand or a personality – and their job is to keep you engaged.

How to Keep It Healthy

Now, just because parasocial relationships can have their downsides doesn't mean we should totally avoid them. (Where’s the fun in that?) The key is keeping things in perspective and reminding ourselves that social media isn’t real life – even if it feels that way sometimes.

• Be mindful: It’s okay to feel connected, but remember that you’re only seeing what they choose to show. Behind every Instagram-perfect snapshot, there’s a person with their own struggles.

• Limit your screen time: It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of binge-watching every vlog, but setting some boundaries can help prevent burnout or comparison fatigue.

• Balance it with IRL friendships: I love a good YouTube deep dive as much as the next person, but nothing beats hanging out with my real-life besties. Grab a coffee with a friend or schedule a catch-up call to keep your IRL social circle strong.

Why I Totally Get the Appeal (And You Should Too)

Look, I’m all about feeling connected to people who inspire me online. I’ve gotten beauty tips, travel inspiration, and even life advice from creators who feel like they’re speaking directly to me. And if you've ever felt that way too, it's totally normal! The trick is not getting lost in it – enjoy the content, be inspired, but always keep one foot in reality.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking you’d be besties with your favorite content creator, don’t feel weird about it! Parasocial relationships are just part of the modern world we live in. As long as we stay grounded, it’s perfectly okay to enjoy the connection and even learn a thing or two along the way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a new video from my favorite vlogger to catch up on!