Exploring Parasocial Relationships: The 2025 Word of the Year
If you found yourself feeling a strong connection with a celebrity this year, you were not alone. The term "parasocial" was chosen as the 2025 word of the year by Cambridge Dictionary. Parasocial relationships refer to the emotional connection that individuals feel towards famous people, fictional characters, or even artificial intelligence, despite not actually knowing them personally. This term, which has been in use for about 70 years, has now gained widespread recognition, according to Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager for Cambridge Dictionary.
McIntosh highlighted the increasing popularity of parasocial relationships, with millions of people engaging in such connections or simply being intrigued by them. The Cambridge Dictionary website has seen a surge in searches for the term "parasocial," reflecting the growing interest in this phenomenon. For instance, when singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement, fans who have followed Swift's music for years celebrated the news, demonstrating the impact of parasocial relationships.
However, parasocial relationships can have negative consequences, as noted by Simone Schnall, a professor of experimental social psychology at the University of Cambridge. She warned that many individuals develop unhealthy and intense connections with influencers, leading to a false sense of familiarity, trust, and loyalty. This one-sided dynamic can be problematic and may result in unrealistic expectations from these relationships.
The concept of parasocial relationships is expanding to include interactions with artificial intelligence. Schnall pointed out that some people treat AI tools like ChatGPT as friends, seeking validation or using them as a form of therapy. This illusion of a relationship can foster groupthink and may particularly affect young individuals who are more susceptible to such influences.
In addition to Cambridge Dictionary's choice of "parasocial" as the word of the year, Dictionary.com selected "67" as its 2025 word of the year. These decisions reflect the evolving language landscape and the impact of societal trends on our vocabulary. As we navigate the complexities of modern relationships, understanding the dynamics of parasocial connections can help us maintain healthy boundaries and realistic expectations in our interactions with public figures and technology.