Why do we form intense, one-sided bonds with people we've never met? From favourite podcasters and social media influencers to beloved fictional characters, parasocial relationships are a defining feature of modern life – but what do these seemingly non-reciprocal connections truly reveal about our need for connection? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships: why our brains are wired for these intimate-at-a-distance bonds, and how they play a surprisingly significant role, especially in our twenties.

We explore:
Characteristics of parasocial relationships
Why our ancient brains are predisposed to form these connections
The parasocial relationships spectrum, from casual engagement to pathological obsession
The profound positive benefits of companionship and role modelling
When parasocial relationships become imbalanced
How to cultivate healthy engagement with online personalities

 

Whether you feel like you're best friends with a YouTuber or just curious about the invisible ties that bind us to media figures, this episode is for you.

 

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

Why do we form intense, one-sided bonds with people we've never met? From favourite podcasters and social media influencers to beloved fictional characters, parasocial relationships are a defining feature of modern life &ndash; but what do these seemingly non-reciprocal connections truly reveal about our need for connection? In today&rsquo;s episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships: why our brains are wired for these intimate-at-a-distance bonds, and how they play a surprisingly significant role, especially in our twenties.
We explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Characteristics of parasocial relationships</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why our ancient brains are predisposed to form these connections</li>
<li aria-level="1">The parasocial relationships spectrum, from casual engagement to pathological obsession</li>
<li aria-level="1">The profound positive benefits of companionship and role modelling</li>
<li aria-level="1">When parasocial relationships become imbalanced</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to cultivate healthy engagement with online personalities</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Whether you feel like you're best friends with a YouTuber or just curious about the invisible ties that bind us to media figures, this episode is for you.
&nbsp;
Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0"> https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

My book is out NOW: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My book is out NOW: <a href="https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean">https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

The Psychology of your 20s

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

Buy my book, Person in Progress: https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Buy my book, Person in Progress: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655">https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

309. The psychology of parasocial relationships 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a949e664-4527-4ee3-a559-b306003eb0f4/transcript

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