Internet culture
Parasocial relationship
A mostly one-sided sense of connection with a public figure or media personality.
In everyday use
A viewer feels they know a presenter who has never met them.
What to keep in mind
Feeling familiar with someone does not create a mutual personal relationship.
Also searched as: parasocial
Further reading
Original explanation and example by Perspectism. Further reading may cover the wider subject, rather than this exact wording. Edition updated 7 October 2026.
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