When Online Relationships Become One-Sided
Tehran - BORNA - Many people spend hours following the lives of influencers, YouTubers, and other online personalities. We may know their children’s names, daily routines, and even the details of their struggles, yet to them, we are just faceless followers. Psychologists call this type of interaction a “parasocial relationship,” a phenomenon that has both psychological benefits and potential risks.
What Are Parasocial Relationships?
Parasocial relationships refer to one-sided attachments to individuals we do not personally know and who have no direct recognition or response to us. The concept emerged in the 1950s with the rise of television, when audiences felt a sense of face-to-face connection with TV personalities. Today, it is most commonly associated with social media influencers, YouTubers, and podcasters. Dr. Veronica Lamarche, a social psychologist at the University of Essex, explains: “One-sided connections are not new, but social media has amplified their scale and intensity. All interaction occurs through content presented to us, not through real mutual engagement.”
Research shows that parasocial relationships can play an important role in meeting emotional and social needs. A 2024 study found that some individuals value their one-sided relationships with YouTubers even more than real-life acquaintances because they are always available and not restricted by time or social boundaries.
Psychological Benefits
A key advantage of parasocial relationships is reducing social isolation. Josh Fletcher, a psychotherapist and podcaster, notes: “People, especially those in minority groups or without sufficient social support in real life, feel seen and accepted through these relationships.”
Parasocial relationships can boost confidence and help individuals strengthen their personal and social identity. For those facing mental health challenges, anxiety, or depression, constant access to an influencer or podcaster can provide a form of emotional support and stability something that real-life interactions do not always offer. This ongoing access to an “online psychological safe space” is a unique benefit of parasocial connections.
Risks and Challenges
Despite their advantages, parasocial relationships carry specific risks. The first is unrealistic social comparison. Constantly observing others’ curated lives, particularly those presenting idealized lifestyles, may lead to feelings of inadequacy. Dr. Lamarche explains: “These relationships are one-sided and cannot fulfill our real emotional needs. Individuals with low self-esteem may gradually withdraw from real-life interactions and rely excessively on parasocial connections.”
Another risk involves boundaries for content creators. Followers often expect more personal information, and when those expectations are unmet, they may feel rejected or dissatisfied. Michelle Elman, a life coach and content creator, says: “Sometimes followers think I share everything about my life, which isn’t true. Clear boundaries are essential to protect oneself and maintain mental health.”
Excessive dependence on parasocial relationships can also reduce the quality of real-world interactions, increase loneliness, and potentially lead to long-term psychological issues. Unlike real relationships, parasocial connections cannot provide reciprocal emotional support.
Managing and Using Parasocial Relationships Healthily
Experts recommend that users and content creators establish clear boundaries to enjoy the benefits of parasocial relationships while minimizing risks. Creators should carefully consider what to share and what to keep private. Followers, in turn, should recognize that feelings of closeness do not reflect a real relationship and should avoid relying solely on these connections for emotional fulfillment.
Using parasocial relationships as a psychological and social tool can be beneficial if accompanied by digital literacy, psychological awareness, and clear boundaries. This is particularly important for teenagers and young adults who spend the majority of their time online.
Parasocial relationships are now a part of modern digital life. They offer opportunities for comfort, empathy, social connectedness, and identity formation, yet they also carry risks such as social comparison, excessive dependence, and diminished real-world relationships.
In the digital era, understanding these relationships and learning how to manage them is crucial for mental health. Users must recognize their boundaries, and content creators have a responsibility to safeguard their followers. Only through this balance can the benefits of parasocial relationships be maximized while minimizing potential negative effects.
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