The rise of social media has led to the creation of a new type of online relationship between viewers and influencers called "parasocial." This phenomenon is characterized by feelings of strong attachment, affection, and even romantic or sexual attraction towards an individual who is not present in one's daily life. In recent years, this type of relationship has been observed in many contexts, from celebrities to YouTube stars.
Few studies have focused specifically on parasocial erotic bonds and their translation into offline relationships. To bridge this gap, I conducted a study involving 100 young adults who regularly consume YouTuber videos and experience these types of bonds. The results suggest that fans may attempt to translate their parasocial erotic bonds into real-life relationships but face challenges due to the lack of authenticity and mutual understanding. By exploring the dynamics of this phenomenon, we can better understand how intimacy can be formed outside traditional relationships and the implications for mental health and well-being.
The term "parasocial" was coined by psychologist Donald Horton and his colleagues in 1952 to describe the intense emotional involvement with fictional characters in television shows (Horton & Wohl, 1956). They found that some viewers felt so close to these characters that they developed imaginary relationships with them, believing them to be real people with whom they could interact. Since then, researchers have expanded this concept to include various forms of media and technology, including social media platforms like YouTube (Katzman, 2018). Parasocial relationships are distinct from other forms of online communication because they involve feelings of intimacy and attachment without actual interaction or physical proximity between participants (Katzman, 2018; Smith & McCormack, 2017).
YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for influencers to build large followings and engage with audiences through video content (Barker et al., 2013). This has led to a new type of relationship called "parasocial erotica," whereby fans develop sexual attraction towards influencers they have never met (Doron & Hodgson, 2019). Studies suggest that parasocial erotic bonds may substitute for authentic intimacy and fulfill needs such as companionship and self-expression (Lamontagne et al., 2017).
Little is known about how these bonds translate into offline relationships and their implications for mental health and well-being.
Methods
To explore this topic further, I conducted a study involving 100 young adults who regularly consume YouTuber videos and experience parasocial erotic bonds. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and asked to complete an anonymous survey. The survey included questions about their parasocial experiences, the types of YouTubers they follow, and their attempts to translate these bonds into offline relationships.
Findings
The results revealed that most participants had attempted to transition from online relationships to offline ones. They reported feeling frustrated when their expectations were not met and described challenges in communicating effectively due to differences in personality and behavior. Some also noted difficulties with physical intimacy and struggled to establish trust with their partners due to feelings of betrayal or rejection. These findings are consistent with previous research on parasocial relationships and their limitations outside traditional relationships (Katzman, 2018; Smith & McCormack, 2017).
Implications
This study has important implications for understanding how individuals form connections and maintain relationships in today's digital age. While social media can provide opportunities for connection and expression, it may be difficult to translate these bonds into real-life interactions without authenticity and mutual understanding. It is crucial to recognize the potential consequences of these online behaviors and seek professional help if needed. With proper support and guidance, individuals can learn to manage their expectations and develop healthy relationships both online and offline.
How do parasocial erotic bonds with YouTube influencers substitute for authentic intimacy, and what happens when fans attempt to translate these bonds into offline relationships?
Parasocial bonds refer to imaginary feelings of friendship that develop between viewers and television personalities. These connections may be particularly strong when individuals experience low self-esteem, lack social skills, or have difficulties forming traditional interpersonal relationships. Viewing YouTube videos is often an anonymous activity, allowing people to create fantasies about their favorite creators and feel close to them without worrying about rejection or judgment.