“Parasocial”: Word of the Year and Our New Model of Relationship

The word “parasocial” was chosen as Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year this year. What does it describe? Our model of relationship no longer requires two people. Lovely, isn't it?

After following an influencer, a podcaster or a celebrity for a while, that person can become — for the parasocial personality — a familiar face, a reassuring voice, the rhythm of the day, even the meaning of life. The parasocial person tries to read that celebrity's mood from their gaze, from the tone of their voice. Without it ever crossing their mind that they are, among all the followers, just a number or a statistic. Feeling close to them.

Whereas the person you're actually close to is aware that you exist. It looks like a detail, but real relationship is built on precisely that detail.

The word entering the dictionary shows, I think, that this is no longer a trend but a part of daily life; unfortunately.

Once they learn the word, many will say “that's not me.” I'm sure it isn't.

Is it? 🤔