For the Exclusive,
Fatima Zakariya
@fatima.z20
We've all had the experience of looking up our favorite movie actors or musical artists online to see when they might be releasing some new body of work. Or it might be following up on our favorite sports personalities to see their latest performance, records or game stats. And if not for actively searching, you might have clicked on an article or two about certain celebrities that caught your interest and read up on what they were up to at that time. I, for one, have been there, done that.
We are all too familiar with the heated debates that keep people engaged in the comments sections of celebrity profiles. Not to mention the urge to scream at your TV screens when your favorite football player isn't at his best form. All of these are examples of parasocial interactions which may develop into deep rooted parasocial relationships.
But where do we draw the line to differentiate when interest becomes obsession? What amount of parasocial interactions can be called healthy and when does it start to become toxic?
Parasocial relationships have a way of reeling you in and providing you with a sense of comfort and familiarity. It may help boost self esteem and build personality, however, only to a certain extent. When these relationships begin to take over time and space in a person's life where their priorities begin to shift in favor of a certain celebrity or influencer, there appears to be more harm than benefit. People become willing to spend any amount of money to support their favorite celebrities even if it puts them in financial jeopardy. They begin to justify controversial actions committed by their 'idols' and rage online battles in their defense. They spend endless amounts of time and energy over something that gives them no direct benefit. It takes over one's life and begins to have an adverse effect on real relationships as well.
This kind of conduct is perpetrated and encouraged by the celebrities themselves to a certain extent, and before they begin to realize the consequences, it is already too late. We see celebrities having to remind their fans to not meddle in their personal matters, time and again. We might say that is the bane of becoming famous, but fans too have a responsibility of honoring that request. When people's interest becomes an inconvenience to these figures and the people around them, that is when the parasocial relationship has reached its limit. When it no longer brings about positive emotions but becomes a mutually imposing burden. It can in fact make people feel more isolated and alone, contradictory to what is usually expected from these kinds of interactions.
Also, with the advent of the digital age it has become increasingly easier for us to engage with social media personalities and notable figures. And while people may choose to share some aspects of their life with the general public, it is that much harder to hide other aspects which they wish to keep private. It is as though someone, somewhere is always peering into their life with an intrusive lens. It becomes extremely challenging to tame people's curiosity and protect their own personal space.
Therefore due to the extremely volatile nature of these relationships I believe they bring about more harm than good over both parties that are involved. This is proven by the fact how immensely difficult it is to control public sentiment and for people to caution restraint. Therefore the next time you feel like leaving a comment or clicking on an article, think if this action is bringing forth a positive change in your life and the lives of others.
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