What's happened
Cambridge Dictionary's 2025 word of the year is 'parasocial,' reflecting the rise of one-sided bonds with celebrities, influencers, and AI. The term's popularity surged following celebrity engagement announcements and increased online interest, highlighting how technology and culture are reshaping social connections today.
What's behind the headline?
The rise of 'parasocial' relationships signals a profound shift in social dynamics. As trust in traditional media declines, individuals increasingly turn to celebrities, influencers, and AI as sources of emotional support and authority. This trend is driven by the accessibility of digital content and the personalization of online interactions.
The mainstream adoption of the term indicates a cultural recognition of these bonds' intensity and potential risks. Psychologists warn that such relationships can become unhealthy, fostering obsession, social comparison, and misplaced trust. The phenomenon is amplified by AI tools like ChatGPT, which many treat as friends or therapists, blurring the line between genuine connection and illusion.
The timing of this recognition aligns with high-profile celebrity events, such as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement, which fueled public fascination. This suggests that media and celebrity narratives are increasingly shaping social language and perceptions, with implications for mental health and societal trust.
Moving forward, the normalization of parasocial bonds may deepen societal reliance on digital personalities, potentially impacting social cohesion and individual well-being. The trend underscores the importance of media literacy and awareness of the psychological effects of these one-sided relationships.
What the papers say
Sky News highlights how the term 'parasocial' has transitioned from academic jargon to mainstream language, driven by celebrity culture and AI interactions. The article notes a spike in searches and discusses the risks of unhealthy attachments. The NY Post emphasizes the influence of celebrity events like Swift and Kelce's engagement in boosting interest, illustrating how pop culture fuels this linguistic shift. The Independent provides a broader context, explaining the origins of 'parasocial' and warning about the potential for obsession and trust issues, especially with AI tools. All sources agree that the phenomenon reflects a significant cultural change, with implications for mental health and social trust, but differ slightly in their focus—Sky News on the language shift, NY Post on celebrity influence, and The Independent on psychological risks.
How we got here
The term 'parasocial' originated in 1956 when sociologists observed viewers forming one-sided relationships with TV personalities. Its recent rise correlates with increased online engagement, celebrity culture, and AI interactions, reflecting societal shifts in how people connect and trust media figures and digital entities.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Travis Michael Kelce is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and later won Super Bowl LIV with the team over the San Francisco 49er
-
Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. Her narrative songwriting, which often centers around her personal life, has received widespread media coverage.