ContextWord · Ages 11-25 · In use
parasocial
A one-sided bond with someone who doesn't know you exist, like a streamer, an influencer, a fictional character or an AI chatbot.
Okay my love for this streamer is getting a little parasocial.
For parents and educators
Kids often use it to tease themselves, which is healthy. It's worth noticing if a creator or chatbot starts to replace real friendships.
Where it came from
Coined by sociologists in 1956 about TV viewers. Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year for 2025.
Also heard as
parasocial relationship, parasocial bond
Sources