Every now & then, they watch you.

We are touching on a topic today that’s very prevalent, yet in a way subdued—an issue that should be focused on but is only peaking on social media and doesn’t trigger real-life discussions anymore. “Parasocial relationships”—heard of that? 

Um... if you are chronically online like us, you would know what’s happening. A family is falling apart quite publicly in front of us—a supposed stalker married her now-superstar husband and got away with harassing his ex in the process. Ring any bells? We are talking about Hailey Baldwin here. 

Don’t worry, we are not here to bash either party. We are here to open a conversation that’s very important—not only to change the voice around this discussion but also to deep-dive into the psychological aftereffects of a parasocial relationship. 

Firstly, let’s try understanding what a “parasocial relationship” is. A parasocial relationship is a one-sided, imagined connection or bond a person feels with a media figure (celebrity, fictional character, influencer) they don't know—often involving a sense of intimacy and familiarity despite a lack of real-life interaction. 

In pop culture, we have seen multiple instances when compulsive situations like these have led to fans stalking, assaulting, and even in some situations, killing their icons. Be it John Lennon, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, or Christina Grimmie, these situations not only highlight how disturbed or convoluted fans can be, but also shed light on how, as communities, we have failed to protect people—by neglecting them or, in some situations, failing to rehabilitate them or correct them. 

Let’s try to understand how this concept has changed or evolved over the years due to social media and the easy accessibility into people’s lives through TikTok or Instagram. During COVID, we saw a herd of “Saesangs” or K-POP fans stalking, forcefully trying to kiss their favorite idols—even to the point of following them into their hotel rooms. There’s a 6-part series on Hailey Baldwin allegedly forcing her way into Justin Bieber’s life—almost copying, embodying, and imitating his ex, Selena Gomez. Drew Barrymore was stalked by a compulsive fan at a public event—the list goes on and on. 

But how are these relationships established in the first place? Surely, not everyone would enjoy stalking or trying to creep into a celebrity’s personal life? 

Social media is a spitfire that has not only brought celebrities closer to the media user but has also instigated these users into feeling a sense of intimacy that they have lacked in their real-life relationships. It also creates a sense of empathy for the celebrity, wherein these users defend, fight, and even kill for them. The hole has become even narrower—wherein not only celebrities but vloggers and YouTubers develop an extreme sense of fanaticism amongst fans, leading to absurdly weird interactions (...remember the Dolan twins?)

How can these situations be avoided? How can we protect our artists better? 

Having an open conversation with your followers—emphasising the fact that you are just another human navigating the same myriads of lives as they do—can help. Having limited screen time can prevent becoming anxious or overly attached to a celebrity who has zero cognisance of your existence. Building stronger relationships in your personal life—with your family, friends, and even your pet—is extremely paramount for deriving your worth from the right places. 

We hope our post sheds some light on how problematic this behaviour is and how it affects you perpetually within your life. Wishing nothing but the best of health to all our readers!