Parasocial Relationships in the Age of Social Media

Abstract

This paper and survey will explore the effect of social media, with its offer of direct access to celebrities and their lifestyles, as well as fan-to-fan connection, on the development of parasocial relationships. In addition to integrating previous research surrounding parasocial relationships, a survey was conducted surrounding Harry Styles fans to provide a case study on social media's impact on the development of parasocial relationships and how they can exist within fandom.