Parasocial interaction

Parasocial interaction is when we have one-sided, imaginary relationships with people we see on TV or social media, as if they were real friends or family members. It's like having an imaginary friend that you talk to, but instead of the friend being made up in your head, it's a celebrity, a character from a TV show or even an influencer you follow online.

It's important to understand that these relationships are not real, and that the people we interact with on TV or social media don't actually know us. It's like watching a movie, we can feel emotions and form opinions about the characters, but they can't hear us or interact with us.

Sometimes, parasocial interactions can be positive and allow us to feel a sense of connection, comfort, and companionship. However, it's also essential to be aware of the potential negative effects, such as the unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment, depression, or anxiety when we realize they're not real relationships.