Addy Woodbury ’29
Staff Writer
Being parasocial means “relating to or involving a one-sided emotional connection with someone (especially a celebrity or fictional character) whom one does not know personally” (Merriam-Webster). This is exactly the type of relationship I have seen flourish on social media in the past few years.
As someone with a One Direction tattoo, I understand the sense of deep-rooted love one can have for something or someone in the media because it is a feeling that essentially blends together interest, belonging, and community. Yet, the problem arises when fans begin to think they should have a say in the lifestyle of someone whom they are not actually involved with.
The stark reality is that no matter how deeply we may feel about a favorite singer or movie star, they are, in actuality, complete strangers to us. As enthusiasts of people and things in the public eye, it is important to be conscious of the fact that we are only presented with limited information that is meticulously selected by those who aspire to create entertainment. Therefore, it is impractical to think that we as outsiders should be able to change the ways of people we don’t even really know.
This is not to say that we aren’t allowed to have opinions or that we should feel restricted in vocalizing them. In fact, the progression and success of many celebrities’ careers rely heavily on understanding fanbases’ desires and being aware of their level of engagement. But where I’ve noticed the problem is when supporters channel their complex emotions into something that crosses the line, such as people thinking they should know every detail about someone else’s personal life.
To me, this level of entitlement is inappropriate, especially because it almost dehumanizes the individual(s) and completely violates their privacy. I think the critical point that gets lost is the fact that even those with the most esteemed sense of influence and respect are still human beings, just like the rest of us. While society puts celebrities and powerful figures on a pedestal, that does not mean that every aspect of their personal lives should be infiltrated. Just because they are rewarded financially or perhaps socially doesn’t mean that they should be deprived when it comes to basic human decency.
Parasocial relationships also seem to take away one’s sense of individuality. Becoming so utterly invested in someone else can limit the time and energy that is meant to be spent on oneself and the people in one’s everyday life who will contribute to one’s personal growth. While having hobbies and interests is a crucial part of identity, it is imperative that society maintains a sense of respect and safety within the media. Relationships and feelings with no boundaries pave the way for potentially harmful situations between supporters and their icons, putting both parties in danger while simultaneously damaging the sense of trust between the two. Connection between fans and celebrities can be an incredibly special bond, but that feeling is only preserved if boundaries are established and respected.
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