Scroll through Instagram, you’re sure to come across a fan-edited reel of a celebrity being referred to as their partners in the “Point of View” trend. In an age defined by digital connectivity and the global reach of pop culture, the phenomenon of parasocial relationships has emerged as a compelling but often overlooked aspect of modern life.
Nowhere is this more pronounced than in the global fascination with Korean celebrities, whose popularity transcends borders and languages.
Korean entertainment, particularly K-pop and K-drama, has become a cultural juggernaut, capturing hearts and minds across continents. The appeal of charismatic idols and captivating actors often goes beyond mere admiration; It promotes a feeling of closeness, even intimacy, between fans and their idols. This one-way emotional connection, called a parasocial relationship, allows fans to feel deeply connected to celebrities they have never met.
While parasocial relationships are not exclusive to Korean celebrities, the intensity and global scope of the K-wave phenomenon increases their prevalence. Fans invest their time, money and emotions to follow the lives of their idols, from concert tours and social media updates to following their everyday activities. In return, they receive a semblance of connection, albeit one-sided, that provides a sense of belonging and purpose.
However, as these virtual connections flourish, there are concerns about their impact on real-world interpersonal relationships. Critics argue that the time and emotional energy spent on parasocial relationships can potentially undermine the depth and authenticity of personal relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. This news report aims to uncover the nuanced dynamics at play when parasocial relationships intersect with the intricacies of human bonds.
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Orlinda Fernandes, the administrator of the India Korea Friends Facebook page MumbaiShe reiterates that she too has witnessed people crossing boundaries and claiming shares in celebrities. She said she witnessed people arguing over someone else’s opinion of a popular band’s music and its evolution.
Fernandes, who has been a lover of Korean dramas since 2008, said audiences’ access to celebrities has increased with the advent of the internet and social media compared to when she started consuming the content in the late 2000s .
“After the introduction of FacebookMany groups sprouted up like mushrooms in which fans of an artist met and discussed his work. These groups were essentially fandoms that gradually fueled parasocial relationships. Previously, the terms “husband,” “partner,” and other titles for celebrities were used humorously and in jest; “But over time it got worse as people started obsessively chasing the stars,” she pointed out.
She explained that parasocial relationships have become more common due to social media. It provided a platform for people to talk about their obsessions and frustrations. The offer of anonymity online has encouraged her even more, she noted.
In today’s society, the line between a celebrity and a viewer is becoming increasingly blurred through reality television and social media. Celebrities are now inviting their fans into their personal lives through intimate online interactions.
Does this allow a viewer to cross the invisible boundary that exists between the celebrity and them?
Orlinda believes that it is crucial to differentiate between the film role and the real life of a celebrity. Citing examples of how certain Korean celebrities have been reprimanded for smoking, she said: “Celebrities have their own private lives apart from their public persona, but some think they don’t have that freedom of choice. People criticize them for things like smoking, but fans don’t realize that they are adults and that the stars don’t owe them anything.
“I won’t name it, but a member of a Korean boy band had to endure the wrath of sasaengs for getting married and having a child,” she mentioned, adding, “Fans strongly criticize idols for not living up to the ideals will.” You made it up in your head. Her role and real life are different and fans need to understand that.”
A sasaeng or sasaeng fan is a South Korean term for an obsessive fan who acts in a way that violates the privacy of Korean idols, actors or other public figures.
In particular, PSRs have become popular; However, it is necessary to examine what psychological factors contribute to the formation of such relationships. Mental health professionals attribute this to several reasons.
Rupa Chaubal, a counseling psychologist and trauma therapist based in Mumbai, opined that these parasocial relationships become a source of reassurance and comfort for the individual. By imitating an individual’s supposedly good qualities, people live vicariously through celebrities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anshu Kulkarni, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, said it is a spectrum. “People might enjoy the individual celebrity because some of the interface might just be appealing. Therefore, the public starts following them and they may also imitate them and try to contact them through social media. Often people.” [who develop parasocial relationships] It is found that they do not have such stable social relationships.”
Dr. Kulkarni added that some may develop these parasocial relationships due to self-doubt and low self-esteem. “Besides personality and behavioral reasons, there may be a pathological aspect to why people enter into these relationships,” she said.
Fans can build a solid connection with celebrities that they don’t have in real life through interactive shows. Since the stage is online, control of the relationship is also in the hands of the audience; Therefore, they feel like they have more control.
Chaubal, who expressed similar views, noted that viewers often do not understand how much time, energy and emotions they put into the parasocial relationship from their hobbies. When the parasocial relationship borders on obsession, it interferes with a person’s normal functioning, she emphasized.
When asked about the impact of parasocial bonds on a person’s personal life, the trauma therapist said: “If a person has a parasocial relationship with a celebrity, it can cause insecurity to develop in their partner. They may constantly think about it: “You are not enough, or your partner may feel inadequate compared to the celebrity who has been put on a pedestal,” she said.
She explained the impact on other relationships and noted that many people, particularly teenagers and young adults, find themselves socially excluded. They view non-acceptance of their views on a celebrity as an extension of their opinion, which is unacceptable.
The psychologist said one of her younger clients took a drastic step to cut off his friends because of their differing opinions about a celebrity. She added that such self-isolation leads to the diagnosis of anxiety and depressive disorders.
“Many people also have body image issues. The younger generation has impressionable minds and constantly seeing the celebrities they follow influences their perception of their bodies,” she added.
When asked about the telltale signs that a person is in an unhealthy parasocial relationship, Dr. Kulkarni: “When excessive time is spent thinking about a celebrity, which affects the schedule, when relationships in real life become very rare and behavioral problems occur. Changes such as changes in appetite are the hallmark of a change.”
Rupa says that recognizing the problem is crucial to dealing with the unhealthy parasocial relationship. She says it requires introspection from the viewer to understand whether their resemblance to a celebrity is harmless or unhealthy. Second, she suggested that digital borders were essential.
Dr. Kulkarni also recommended limiting digital interaction and trying to socialize with friends and family. She suggested that people who find it difficult to manage things on their own should seek help from a psychiatrist.
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