parasocial

American  

[par-uh-soh-shuhl] / ˌpær əˈsoʊ ʃəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the connection or imagined connection between a regular person and a fictional character, celebrity, or other public figure: Fans naturally project their values into parasocial relationships, but they are bound to be disappointed one day when their idols aren't who they’ve built them up to be.

   Part of having a favorite TV show is the parasocial interaction that you get with the characters you come to know.

   Fans naturally project their values into parasocial relationships, but they are bound to be disappointed one day when their idols aren't who they’ve built them up to be.

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Etymology

Origin of parasocial

First recorded in 1960–65; para- ¹ ( def. ) + social ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are famous breakups, and there are ones that upset the universe’s parasocial order.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

It felt like a piece of my childhood died along with the actor who played Dawson Leery, but it wasn’t just a parasocial relationship that had me weeping next to the soap dispenser.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

We often find celebrities’ rallying cries powerful — even when we don’t like what they’re saying, or when we recognize our connections to them as largely parasocial.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

As Matthew joins Oliver’s inner circle, their parasocial bond evolves into a real friendship, until Matthew’s desire to belong becomes dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

“Of course. It’s called parasocial interaction—when someone in your audience feels like they know you based on the persona you’ve created.”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows