Parasocial relationships can be good for you. You just need to know when to draw the line

Let’s be honest: we’ve all got that one celebrity, influencer, or podcast host who lives rent-free in our heads. You know their dog’s name, their morning routine, their trauma story, and their oat milk brand of choice. You might even find yourself defending them in comment sections like they’re your actual friend.

Congratulations, you’ve formed a parasocial relationship. For those who aren’t as active on social media, that’s a one-sided bond we form with people we don’t actually know.

And while these connections can sometimes sound a little delusional, here’s the twist: they’re not all bad. In fact, parasocial relationships can meet some very real psychological needs. Where it gets dangerous is when you start to forget where the screen ends and real life begins.

What’s a parasocial rela