💨 Abstract

Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce sparked joy among fans, highlighting the concept of "parasocial relationships," where individuals feel a personal connection to celebrities they've never met. This phenomenon, coined in 1956, has intensified with social media, affecting how fans interact with influencers and public figures. Cambridge Dictionary named "parasocial" their Word of the Year, citing examples like reactions to Lily Allen's album and AI interactions.

Courtesy: Jessica Lindsay