The word "parasocial" refers to an imagined relationship between people who are familiar with each other's personalities but have never met in real life. It is often used to describe the feeling of closeness and intimacy that some fans feel towards celebrities, media personalities, fictional characters, or public figures.
It can also apply to non-famous individuals such as teachers, coworkers, or friends of friends. Parasocial relationships tend to be one-sided and fantasy-based, as they exist primarily through media consumption rather than actual interaction.
Parasocial attraction is common among young adults and teenagers, especially those who consume large amounts of television shows, movies, music, or social media. According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive for MTV Networks, 65% of adolescents and young adults felt parasocially attracted to at least one celebrity. This phenomenon has been studied extensively, but less attention has been paid to how audiences rationalize their sexual desires toward these figures.
Many psychologists believe that parasocial attraction is due to attachment theory, which states that humans form strong emotional bonds with others based on proximity, physical contact, and familiarity. By consuming media featuring certain celebrities or characters, viewers become emotionally invested in them and may begin to experience feelings of affection, longing, or even sexual desire. These feelings are often accompanied by fantasies about what it would be like to interact with the person in real life. Some research suggests that this type of parasocial attraction could be a precursor to sexual objectification and voyeurism.
Many people find themselves justifying their feelings towards parasocial figures in other ways.
Some argue that parasocial attraction is simply an extension of fandom, and that feeling sexually attracted to a fictional character does not necessarily mean that you have crossed a moral boundary. Others suggest that sexual attraction can enhance fan-character relationships, creating a deeper sense of intimacy and connection between the viewer and the subject. Still, others believe that parasocial attraction is a natural and healthy expression of human sexuality, comparable to crushes or infatuation with real-life partners.
Despite these explanations, there is little evidence to support the idea that parasocial attraction is harmless or morally acceptable. Many scholars warn against treating non-existent individuals as if they were actual partners, arguing that doing so can lead to unrealistic expectations, disappointment, or even harmful behaviors. Moreover, the prevalence of parasocial relationships among teenagers raises concerns about body image, self-esteem, and mental health.
While parasocial attraction may seem innocent or harmless on the surface, it can have serious implications for personal well-being and interpersonal dynamics. It is important for audiences to be aware of the potential consequences of this phenomenon and to seek help if necessary. By understanding how we relate to media figures, we can make more informed choices about what content we consume and how we engage with it.
How do audiences rationalize or morally justify sexual attraction toward parasocial figures?
The idea of "sexual attraction" towards fictional characters is not unusual; however, it can be more complicated than one might think. Audiences typically develop feelings for certain characters through various factors such as relatability, identification with their traits, and admiration for their strengths. These feelings may evolve into romantic interest due to the character's physical attractiveness or their perceived moral qualities that appeal to the viewer.