Parasocial Relationships: How Far is too Far?
By Ella Littlejohn
Following various influencers on social media is something we all do, whether that’s for entertainment, advice, tutorials, or mukbang, but what happens when it goes too far? Parasocial relationships (PSR) can form when a parasocial interaction (PSI) with a social media influencer turns into a deep, one-sided connection with that person as though you know each other in real life. Meaningful parasocial interactions with a particular influencer develops into a parasocial relationship which emphasizes a more intimate connection with the influencer (Sheng et al., 2025). PSIs have been around for ages—originally sourced from in-person relations, like marketing and sales, which has now reflected in our online relations on social media. While parasocial relationships can lead to a sense of community and belonging, we should consider the otherwise dangerous effects of them.
One extreme example of PSR we can look at is the “manosphere,” a side of the internet that involves a promotion of radically misogynistic views, oppositions to feminism, and overall toxic masculinity and patriarchy preached to the audience. “Manfluencers” like Andrew Tate, Adin Ross, and Nick Fuentes might ring a bell as some of the leading forces in the manosphere. Manfluencers project views of feminism and women to be a threat to their masculinity, this perceived identity threat consequentially induces fear and misogynistic views in real life. In fact, a study by Renström and Bäck (2024) found that men who follow more manfluencers were more likely to dehumanize and distrust women, especially if they had been wronged by a woman in the past. These types of influencers seek out young boys and men to convince them to perceive themselves in this light, wanting to be like the manfluencers because they’re successful and have a large following, which furthers the parasocial relationship and idolization. This particular type of parasocial relationship can be very harmful because the main target audience is young boys and men who are impressionable.
Another example of an unhealthy effect of PSR is its effect on body image and self-esteem. Adolescent girls are more likely to experience body image and self-esteem issues by social comparison to their peers and parasocial relationships (Jarzyna, 2021). In fact, a study conducted by Eyal and Te’eni-Harari (2013) found that their sample of seventh and eighth grade girls predicted body image issues, motivations to self-compare, and participation in social comparison with their favorite parasocial TV character. This comparison produces a discrepancy between their actual body shape versus their ideal body shape which negatively affects their body image and self-esteem. It’s no doubt that social media projects body ideals onto the general public and has throughout the evolution of media as a whole, but studies show that a deeper connection to media personae increase these body image issues. Not only are adolescents comparing their physicality, but also their wealth and personal lifestyles (Jarzyna, 2021). Influencers frequently showcase their accomplishments and portray a glamorous lifestyle online for everyone to see, and with social comparison this could very well lead to insecurities if you don’t match up to those expectations or can’t reach them.
PSRs can be a great tool for people to feel included in a community fanbase online where they can make friends and express creativity, but some communities can be harmful. The parasocial manosphere is a prime example of public online extremism that is particularly harmful to impressionable adolescent boys and young men. We can’t let the future of our generation be swept up in this harmful ideology because it will stunt them from finding partners later in life, as well as preaching the same ideologies to the next generation. The impact on body image and self-esteem is another frightening effect of PSR as it amplifies insecurities in young girls and boys alike. An unattainable body standard, lifestyle, and idea of wealth skews their perception of what an attainable reality is and increases self-doubt. PSR have harmful effects, that outweigh the benefits, if they can become extreme enough to impact the ideations and ideals of ourselves and communities.
References
Eyal, K., & Te'eni-Harari, T. (2013). Explaining the relationship between media exposure and early adolescents’ body image perceptions: The role of favorite characters. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications, 25(3), 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000094
Jarzyna, C. L. (2021). Parasocial interaction, the COVID-19 quarantine, and digital age media. Human Arenas, 4(3), 413–429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42087-020-00156-0
Renström, E. A., & Bäck, H. (2024). Manfluencers and young men’s misogynistic attitudes: The role of perceived threats to men’s status. Sex Roles, 90(12), 1787-1806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01538-2
Sheng, J., Kostyk, A., & Chatzipanagiotou, K. (2025). From parasocial interaction to parasocial relationship: A review and research agenda. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 49(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.70038