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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think parasocial relationships are kind of… pathetic?

32 replies

TheTaupeMoose · 15/12/2025 14:42

I’ve been seeing more and more people talk about celebrities or influencers like they personally know them - defending them online, analysing their every move, even falling out with friends over them. It just feels a bit sad? I get liking someone’s content or admiring their talent but when you start acting like their unpaid PR rep… I don’t know, it gives me the ick.

AIBU to think parasocial relationships are getting out of hand and that it’s all a bit pathetic, especially in grown adults?

OP posts:
SeaAndStars · 15/12/2025 19:44

What sort of sad social circles are you moving in where you're witnessing this?

MissAmbrosia · 15/12/2025 19:29

I don't know about "parasocial" but I can't abide the influencer shit. I mostly look up travel and for every destination there is a woman with a floaty frock and a big hat recommending the places where she got a freebie or a discount. I've seen some in action, even with a whole team, handing them hats, scarves, sunglasses etc in front of the thing you want to take a photo of. I wish they'd all fuck off.

Thatsalineallright · 15/12/2025 19:17

There's a group of people who spend too much time on tiktok and the internet in general - it becomes their whole world. People are making chatgpt their best friend for Christ's sake! And, as you say, becoming overly invested in some random influencer online.

I think it's a sign of how fragmented our society is and how lonely many people are. It's sad but also pathetic. I feel sorry for those type of people but also have zero respect for them.

Carla786 · 15/12/2025 19:11

There have always been parasocial people but the Internet took it to a whole other level.

ButtercupLane · 15/12/2025 19:09

I opened this to find out what parasocial was. I have not experianced this at all.
It sounds mad.

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/12/2025 19:03

I honestly don't know anyone who does this. I have never heard the word parasocial before either.

Anonanonanonagain · 15/12/2025 19:01

Well I don't understand influencers at all - sorry no I understand why THEY do it I just do not understand people needing them to show them things like how to plate up a meal or something. I won't say I have not watched them reels but seriously do I need to know what a person on a different continent ordered in McDonalds drive thru and then ate like a donkey in their car? Who gets 'influenced' by that? Celebs I have no idea I mean at least I guess in most cases they at least started out with a talent of some sort.

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