StrucciMovies. FAKE FRIENDS EPISODE ONE: intro to parasocial relationships. August 2017. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3vD_CAYt4g (visited on 2023-11-24).
I find this video very interesting because it explain how authentic parasocial relationships can feel. These relationships can seem just as emotionally real as actual friendship by providing a sense of connection through posts, stories, and livestreams, even though we don't truly know the people online. For example, when someone leaves a comment for an influencer, and the influencer replies, it can give the person a false expectation that they've established a real friendship. In reality, this emotional connection is one- sided. I think it is very important to understand influencer culture. Platforms often encourage this dynamic to keep people engaged, making these interactions less about genuine connection and more about marketing. I think it is important for people to stay rational and aware when using social media, so they can enjoy the content without confusing the parasocial relationships.